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HYDROTHERAPY 



AT 



SARATOGA 



I R W I N 



Sacred Fonts ! flow on forever, 
Health on mankind still bestow ; 
If a virgin woo thee, give her 
Rosy cheeks and beauty's glow ; 
If an old man — make him stronger, 
Suffering mortals soothe and save, 
Happier send them home, and younger, 
All who quaff thy fervid wave. 

— Lobkowitz : trans. Johnston. 



HYDROTHERAPY 

AT 

SARATOGA 



A TREATISE ON NATURAL MINERAL 
WA TERS 



By/ 

j. a. : 1rwin 

L M'rnh^P^- ***?' M - A -> M - D - Dublin University; 
L. M. t Coll. of Physicians, Ire.; Mother of Royal Coll of Surgeons 

g - ; F%Z ber f °J th r e B J itis ^ M * dical Association 
fellow of the London Obstetrical Society 
and the New York Academy 
of Medicine, etc. 

FORMERLY 

H0US shir U e r and R ° yal f Free hospital, London; Medical Officer Skrot. 
ShtTe " n f Montgomeryshire Counties Lunatic Asylum- 
and Physician to the Manchester Southern Hos- 
pital for Women and Children 




CASSELL PUBLISHING COMPANY 

NEW YORK £32V¥)() 



Copyright, 1892, by 
J. A. IRWIN. 



All rights reserved. 



THE MRRSHON COMPANY PRESS, 
RAHWAY, N. J. 



PREFACE 



The United States, in so many re- 
spects exceptionally gifted, possesses 
already more than 8000 known mineral 
springs, of which about 800 have been 
analyzed, and not a few found equal, if 
not superior, to those of highest repute 
in the Old World. 

Nevertheless, the scientific use of 
mineral waters is strangely ill-defined, 
and, since the days of Priessnitz — the 
father of the so-called hydropaths, who 
accepted water as the only remedy for 
all diseases — a certain atmosphere of 
quackery has permeated the subject, 
resulting in its neglect by reputable 
physicians. 



VI PREFACE. 



Visitors at the watering places are 
glutted with circulars and pamphlets is- 
sued for purposes of advertisement, by 
persons fjajncially interested, and each 
putting forward in almost identical 
clap-trap the same absurdly pretentious 
claims. 

Saratoga is especially so plagued ; 
owing, in a measure, to the large and in- 
creasing number of the springs, and the 
occasionally hostile rivalry of the pro- 
prietors. As a consequence, the waters 
are used without proper guidance or 
discrimination, and often improperly, 
with disastrous result ; and in the 
public estimation there remains scarce 
any middle ground between an unques- 
tioning cure-all faith and an equally un- 
reasonable condemnation. 

The purport of this work is to 



PREFACE. Vll 

establish among educated readers a 
correct and unprejudiced valuation of 
mineral waters generally, and those of 
Saratoga in particular. 

Mineral springs have been known 
and appreciated from the earliest times, 
both for drinking and bathing purposes. 
They have been written upon by Hip- 
pocrates himself, and since the days of 
Herodotus and Pliny. It is easily con- 
ceded, then, that a treatise upon this 
subject can in few respects lay claim to 
originality ; and, as will be noticed in 
the text, the author acknowledges a 
wide obligation to others, and in some 
instances holds them duly responsible 
for opinions not coincident with his 
own, or confirmed by direct experience. 

"It has, at least, the merit of being 
absolutely non-partisan — from the pen 



Vlll PREFACE. 



of one who, while highly esteeming 
mineral hydrotherapy in its by no 
means unlimited sphere, regards it as 
nothing more than an important, al- 
though much neglected branch of gen- 
eral medicine. In teaching its uses it 
is impossible at times to avoid entering 
somewhat fully into the clinical aspects 
of disease, and the associated applic- 
ability of other methods of practice. 
It should not be understood, however, 
that this work is intended as a guide to 
self-treatment, even within the confines 
of hydro-therapeutics ; nor can it super- 
sede for sick persons the necessity of 
professional advice, which must always 
vary in accordance with the circum- 
stances of each individual case. But, 
as an intelligent patient, capable of un- 
derstanding and co-operating with the 



PREFA CE. IX 



aims of his physician, is more likely to 
derive benefit from treatment, so it is 
desirable that persons visiting Saratoga, 
and making use of its waters, should 
have some general knowledge of their 
characteristics and mode of action. 

It is also hoped that in the following 
pages the professional reader may find 
information, not without interest and 
practical value ; and, although some 
points are left untouched, or still in 
doubt, which may be more fully dis- 
cussed in the future, it should be re- 
membered that, as in all other branches 
of knowledge, " not directly, but by 
successive approximations do mankind 
reach correct conclusions."* 

Grand Union Hotel, No. 14 West 29M St., 

Saratoga. New York. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 

SARATOGA. 



PAGE 

Necessity of periodic change — Saratoga — Advantages as a 
health resort — Accessibility — Discovery of springs — 
Early history ...... i 

CHAPTER II. 

THE ORIGIN OF MINERAL WATERS. 

Mineral waters — Source of water — Method of mineraliza- 
tion — Acquisition of gases — Peculiarities determining 
emergence . . . . . • 9 

CHAPTER III. 

GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS AT SARATOGA. 

Geological conditions at Saratoga — Water-shed — Local 
characteristics . . . . . .19 

CHAPTER IV. 

CLASSIFICATION AND ANALYSIS. 

General classifications of mineral waters — Chemical — 
Therapeutical analyses of Saratoga waters — Difficulties 
concerning — Tables of analyses — Skeleton analysis . 29 



xiv CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER V. 

COMPONENT PARTS OF THE SARATOGA WATERS. 

PAGE 

Component parts of the Saratoga waters, considered sepa- 
rately — Carbonic acid gas — Salines — Alkaline bicarbon- 
ates — Iron — Water . . . -39 

CHAPTER VI. 

METABOLISM, AND ALTERATIVE EFFECTS. 

Definition — Excuse for physiological details — General 
effects of waters — Special sphere of usefulness . . 73 

CHAPTER VII. 

BALNEOLOGY, OR THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 

Balneology — General division — Physiology — Hygienic 
cold bath — Use not confined to robust persons — Hot and 
warm baths — Thermal mineral baths — Bath fever — The 
douche — The wet pack — Mud and sand baths — Turkish 
and Russian baths . . . . . .85 

CHAPTER VIII. 

THERAPEUTIC APPLICABILITY AND DIETETICS. 

General applicability of hydro-mineral treatment — Dietary 
— No special prohibitions — Life at Saratoga facilitates 
temperance ....... 135 

CHAPTER IX. 

A PRACTICAL DIVISION OF SARATOGA WATERS. 

Practical division of Saratoga springs . . . 153 



CONTENTS. XV 



CHAPTER X. 

GENERAL PRECEPTS. 

PAGE 

General precepts governing their use — Best time to drink — 
Quantity — Question of suspending ordinary treatment . 159 

CHAPTER XI. 

NOSOLOGY. 

Nosology — Scrofula — Characteristics of the diathesis — 
Manifestations— Hydro-mineral treatment in. Phthisis — 
Method of attack — Applicability of mineral waters — Bal- 
neological treatment — Saratoga as residence. Gout— ^Eti- 
ology — Acute, and vicarious attacks — Chemical action of 
waters — Disposal of urates. Rheumatism — Erratic char- 
acteristics — Alkaline remedies — Atony of the skin — Stim- 
ulant bathing — Lumbago, sciatica and torticollis. Di- 
gestive Diseases — Various types — Gastric ulcer — Use of 
waters by syphon. Liver — Cirrhosis — Tumors — Jaun- 
dice — Ascites — Metallic poisoning. Pancreas. Constipa- 
tion. Abdominal stasis. Obesity — baths in. Catarrh — 
general and local use of waters. Renal and Bladder 
Diseases — Diabetes. Diseases of the Heart and Blood 
vessels. Diseases of Bone. Skin Diseases. Diseases of 
Women. Nervous Diseases. Retarded Convalescence . 173 

CHAPTER XII. 

Bottled, recharged, and artificial mineral waters . . 255 



Hydrotherapy at Saratoga 



CHAPTER I. 

SARATOGA. 

A few weeks' sojourn at the sea- 
side, or some inland health resort, has 
become to Americans a national neces- 
sity. The average city man of to-day 
can scarcely be considered entirely 
healthy. If seldom absolutely sick, 
he is quite often " a little under the 
weather." He will tell you that noth- 
ing ails him ; but follow closely his 
daily life and you will find that he is 
constantly taking medicines — as his 
forefathers never did. Now it is a 



2 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

quinine pill to brace up on, or combat 
a latent malaria ; now some antipyrine 
or phrenacetine for a cold or head- 
ache ; now some pepsine or a cathartic 
for his stomach or bowels, and so on. 
Why is this so ? Because of his 
own imprudences : his hurrying, rest- 
less, nerve-straining life, constant high 
pressure, too many bracers, irregular 
meals, eating too much and chewing 
too little ; but always ready to sacrifice 
the requirements of nature on the 
insatiable altars of business or pleas- 
ure. Such a one walks upon the edge 
of a precipice from which he cannot be 
induced to tear himself away ; but he 
is often willing to postpone the inevit- 
able crash, which, even he knows, is 
bound to come sooner or later, in the 
form of cirrhosis, Bright's disease, or 



SARATOGA. 



some miserable neurosis, by giving his 
system a complete renovation at least 
once a year. 

For this purpose a visit to some 
bright summer resort is just what he 
needs ; and none on this hemisphere 
offers as wide advantages as Saratoga. 
Not only are the waters pleasant to 
drink, and available in some form to 
the majority of visitors — the pleasure 
seeker following in the route of 
fashion, as well as the invalid, the ex- 
hausted brain-w r orker, and the fagged- 
out beauty striving to regain her lost 
complexion — but all the attendant cir- 
cumstances are usually conducive to 
the restoration of perfect health. The 
rapid succession of new events enlivens 
the mind and leads away from worri- 
ment. The pure country air, the mod- 



4 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

erate altitude, the usually pleasant 
temperature and cool nights, the 
altered diet, the increased bodily exer- 
cise, the easy relinquishment of injur- 
ious habits, the facilities for active 
recreation of all kinds and luxurious 
bathing, combined with a delicious 
rest, which is not idleness but merely 
change of thought — each plays its 
part in accomplishing a physical and 
psychical recuperation. 

To one who, during ten months out 
of the twelve, is obliged to live in, 
and breathe, the dirt-carrying, moisture- 
laden atmosphere of the sea-board 
cities, the air itself has a conspicuous 
cleanliness brimming with health. He 
notices that stray articles he happens 
to touch no longer soil his hands, even 
that his linen takes many hours longer 



SARATOGA. 



to show the accustomed evidence of 
wear. 

In fact, Saratoga offers all that the 
country can give, without the intoler- 
able dullness, which at some health 
resorts renders life a perfect blank. 

A good general description of Sara- 
toga — its pleasant location, delightfully 
shaded streets, natural beauties, and 
interesting history ; its parks, lakes, 
magnificent hotels, and never-ending 
attractions — is to be found in the 
guide books, and needs but the briefest 
outline here. The village is situated 
toward the eastern border of the State 
of New York, at the termination of 
the Adirondack range, and about the 
center of the valley extending from 
Balston to Quaker Springs. It is 
distant from New York City 183 miles, 



6 H YDR THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

from Philadelphia 274 miles, from Bos- 
ton 205 miles, from Washington 412 
miles, and from Chicago 841 miles, 
and is readily accessible from all these 
places. The altitude is about 300 feet. 
The population varies from about 
11,000 in the winter to 35,000 during 
the season, which lasts from the mid- 
dle of June to the middle of Septem- 
ber. The accommodation for visitors 
of all classes is ample and excellent, 
and the general sanitary arrangements 
are good. The name, like most others 
in this vicinity, is derived from the 
Iroquois Indian. 

The discovery of the springs is rela- 
tively modern, with the exception of 
the High Rock, which, according to 
tradition, not long since* confirmed 

* 1 865— Walton. 



SARA TOGA. 



by interesting remains found at the 
base of the rock, was known to, and 
utilized by, the Indians back in the 
fourteenth century. The earliest 
knowledge by white men of the valua- 
ble qualities of the waters seems to 
date from the advent of Sir William 
Johnson in 1767. That illustrious 
Scotch-Irishman, who in colonial days 
served this country scarce less than did 
subsequently George Washington, is 
mainly known to the popular history of 
to-day by the incident that, when he 
ailed unto death, the Indians, whom he 
had befriended and controlled by kind- 
ness and integrity, carried him for re- 
lief to the " Medicine spring of the 
Great Spirit," at Saratoga. The first 
white man's habitation was erected in 
*773- 



8 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

During the subsequent thirty years 
various sturdy pioneers kept simple 
taverns for the entertainment of such 
visitors as were, even then, attracted 
by the growing reputation of the 
springs ; but the starting point of the 
Saratoga of to-day may be reckoned 
from the building, by Gideon Putnam, 
in 1802, of Union Hall; upon the site 
of which now stands the magnificent 
Grand Union Hotel. 

Since then over forty new springs 
have been discovered, any one of which 
might make the reputation of a health 
resort ; superb hotels have been erected 
on all sides ; and America has become 
possessed of a Spa which, in every re- 
spect, rivals the oldest and most es- 
teemed in Europe. 



CHAPTER II. 

THE ORIGIN OF MINERAL WATERS. 

Much interest still attaches to the 
origin of mineral springs, but belongs 
rather to the fascinating science of 
geology than to the mainly therapeutic 
scope of this treatise. 

From remote antiquity, through the 
superstitious ages, when good spirits 
were believed to guard medicinal 
springs, all manner of fantastic the- 
ories have had ardent advocates ; and 
the subject has been abundantly dis- 
cussed by wise men and by fools. 

The rational points of inquiry are : 
(i) Whence comes the endless supply 
of water ? (2) How does it obtain its 



io HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

mineralization and gaseous saturation ? 
(3) What local peculiarities determine 
its emergence ? 

The answers are fairly within our 
knowledge : (1) The water itself is 
neither newly created beneath the 
earth, nor is it the out-pouring of a 
subterranean sea, but is merely a part 
of the great aqueous circulation of 
nature ; and hence does not end. If 
we trace this circulation through its 
course, taking rain as a starting point, 
we find that as water descends from the 
clouds a portion goes directly into the 
lakes and rivers, or to renew the great 
salty reservoirs ; while the remainder, 
falling upon the land, is collected on 
the surface to form mighty rivers, or 
else sinks deep into the ground ; but 
not to remain there permanently. It 



9 
ORIGIN OF MINERAL WA TERS. 1 1 



finds its way through* soil and rock, 
through fissures and joints, until 
finally, by continuous descent, it reaches 
,an outlet at some lower level ; or else 
by hydrostatic pressure is forced back 
to the surface in the form of springs. 
Then, having fulfilled its assigned pur- 
pose, whatever that may have been on 
earth, all which came from the skies 
passes away again by evaporation, to 
be recondensed in the atmosphere 
above, and fall once more as rain. 

Thus is completed a single round of 
one of the stupendous revolutionary 
systems which govern the entire course 
of nature, and know no pause or stay. 
How long this circuit may occupy for 
any particular water, such as that which 
issues from the springs, it would be 
idle to speculate; but ultimately, "that 



1 2 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

which the fountain sends forth returns 
again to the fountain." It has been 
proven by experiment* that the quan- 
tity of celestial water which falls as 
rain, snow, and dew is more than suffi- 
cient to supply that which flows from 
the rivers and springs all over the 
world. 

(2) Now as to its mineralization and 
acquisition of gases : Water is unequaled 
as a solvent. No known substance can 
entirely resist solution by water ; f and 
as a consequence absolutely pure water 
scarcely exists in nature. As the 
rain descends from the skies, even 
before it reaches the earth's surface, 
it has already absorbed impurities 
from the atmosphere ; and from then 

* Mariotte and Halley. — Walton. 

t A. Getkie, " Text Book of Geology." 



ORIGIN OF MINERAL WATERS. 1 3 

until it again passes off by evapo- 
ration, when — like man at his exit — it 
must leave all behind, it is — like man 
during his stay — constantly picking up 
something from each media with which 
it comes in contact. 

Already armed with minute quanti- 
ties of carbonic acid and other ingre- 
dients from the air, it proceeds to take 
up the organic acids which are plentiful 
in the surface soil, and, thus early 
equipped with considerable chemical 
activity, sets out upon its geological 
career. It permeates, to unknown 
depths, the rocks and minerals which 
form the crust of the earth, and all of 
which are more or less porous to water, 
and, as it percolates through them, 
dissolves and carries with it certain 
of their constituents. These meeting 



14 HYDRO THERA PY AT SARA TOGA. 

others of possibly chemical antithesis, 
countless compounds are formed ; new 
gases are generated, which are also ab- 
sorbed by the water, and utilized to 
augment its further solvency, until 
ultimately^ after an eventful history, 
there is forced to the surface the extra- 
ordinary, indefinitely varied compound 
known as mineral water. 

This the analysts handle with skill. 
They separate and weigh accurately, 
up to a five-thousandth part of a grain,* 
the basic ingredients, which are found, in 
almost every instance, to correspond 
with the composition of the rocks from 
whence they came ; but the science of 
man has not yet ascertained the exact 
character of the chemical compounds 
resulting from this intricate tour of 

* Breneman, Nat. Bot. Gaz. 



ORIGIN OF MINERAL WA TERS. 15 

Nature's laboratory ; any more than it 
can invariably explain the physiological 
chemistry following their ingestion. 

(3) The emergence of mineral springs 
at certain localities is dependent upon 
the nature and integrity of the geo- 
logical strata beneath. 

However may be solved the great 
cosmical problem of the manner in 
which the earth, from being a semi- 
liquid, nebulous mass, whirling through 
space, became the beautiful world we 
now inhabit, it is certain that the for- 
mation of its crust, whether by the 
hardening of fluid, or the deposit of 
sedimentary substances, took place at 
different periods, and in layers of vari- 
ous thickness and composition, super- 
imposed one upon another. It is also 
certain that, while this heterogeneous 



1 6 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

crust was in course of formation and 
still malleable to internal force, seis- 
mitic disturbances shaped hills and val- 
leys ; but long afterwards — perhaps 
many centuries — when the surface crust 
had become too hard to bend, similar 
volcanic outbursts resulted in huge 
cracks or fissures, penetrating to the 
very bowels of the earth, and often 
attended by dislocations of strata, which 
deranged the original levels, so that 
when the broken surfaces came to- 
gether again, rocks of different quality 
were in apposition to each other. 

In some instances, however, the part- 
ings thus made were permanent ; and 
when fierce earthquakes had quelled, 
mighty chasms, even miles in width, 
remained forever. 

As ages rolled on, the relatively 



ORIGIN OF MINERAL WATERS. 1 7 

smaller interspaces became filled with 
deposits of various character, usually 
more permeable than the original rocks, 
while many of the larger breaks still 
endure, and may be seen interspersed 
among the loveliest scenery of the 
world — as straits, like that of Magel- 
lan, or Smythe's Sound, or as narrow 
valleys and mountain gorges, bounded 
in between corresponding surfaces of 
perpendicular cliff. 

In comparison with these stupendous 
natural convulsions of the past, how 
small appear the volcanic activities of 
to-day : the phenomena of our Yellow 
Stone Park ; or even the wonders of 
Ojigoku, the Great Hell of Japan, 
where one day the ground is solid and 
the next a bubbling, boiling spring. 



CHAPTER III. 

GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS AT SARATOGA. 

Cracks and disturbance of strata are 
termed by geologists "faults." They 
vary from immense rents and spacious 
caverns to tiny crevices, running in all 
directions through colossal layers of 
rock. It is easily understood how 
water imprisoned — often under high 
pressure, between the less pervious 
strata — should find at these points a 
means of escape, and thus make its 
way upward. As a matter of fact it is 
the presence of geological faults of some 
degree which determine, in most parts 
of the world, the emergence of mineral 
springs. 

*9 



20 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

At Saratoga there is a geological 
" fault " of extensive proportions — the 
result of some terrific upheaval long 
ago. Originally a huge irregular fissure 
of incalculable depth, and extending 
through the valley many miles to the 
northeast and southwest of where the 
village of Saratoga now stands, it is 
probable that both sides of the chasm 
were depressed many thousand feet 
below their pristine horizontal ; but the 
eastern edge sunk considerably lower 
than the western, so that when, during 
subsequent centuries, the interspace 
became filled with calcareous deposits, 
the long-parted strata no longer occu- 
pied corresponding levels ; but those 
to the eastward lay not less than fifty 
feet below their counterparts upon the 
other side. 



GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS. 



21 



The accompanying - cut, modified from 
one by Professor Chandler, fairly illus- 
trates the situation. 



UoJl £< 




Captain Butler, in his essay on this 
subject,* notes two particularly inter- 
esting local circumstances : (i) That all 
the springs which have appeared or 
been discovered, at or near Saratoga, 
are to the eastward of the fault ; while 

* Saratoga, 1888. 



2 2 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

upon the western side, although every 
effort has been made and the drill sunk 
through the rock at various points to a 
depth of one thousand feet, no mineral 
water has been found. (2) Also, that 
although the same water may frequently 
be reached, but at a depth increasing 
proportionally to the distance, by boring 
in a direct line to the eastward ; if the 
opening be made to the north or south 
of this line, a spring may be reached, 
but it will usually be of different char- 
acter, and unconnected with the first. 

According to the §ame authority, the 
drill, in passing downward through five 
or six hundred feet of rock, is liable to 
tap, at different depths, several inde- 
pendent streams of mineral water of 
diverse quality, of which the owner may 
select and utilize that which he pre- 



GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS. 23 

fers. This occurred in the boring of 
the Royal Spring in 1887. 

From these data, supported by the 
ascertained dip of geological strata 
toward the fault, he deduces the theory 
that the watershed which feeds the 
Saratoga springs extends from the 
mountain ranges thirty odd miles to 
the eastward ; from whence the water 
percolates downward toward the west, 
dividing itself, by the way, into dis- 
tinct streams at various depths, until 
ultimately — unless tapped by artificial 
boring — it reaches the almost perpen- 
dicular wall of later deposit, which fills 
the fault, and there finds more pervious 
material, or else convenient crevices, 
favoring its ascent toward the surface. 
As, however, there are also mountains 
upon the western side, and as the strata, 



24 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARA TOGA . 

on that side also, incline toward the 
fault, and slightly toward the south, and 
there is no positive proof of the non- 
existence of mineral water, while ordi- 
nary water has been reached at consider- 
able depth, it seems probable that the 
western rainfall may also contribute to 
supply the springs. 

There is no subterranean connection 
between the Saratoga springs and the 
ocean ; nor, as a rule, is there evidence 
of inter-communication between neigh- 
boring springs ; which, although some- 
times rising but a few feet apart, main- 
tain their special characteristics. Un- 
questionably, however, some collateral 
intercourse through the ramifying crev- 
ices in the rocks is possible between 
the Congress, Hathorn, Favorite, Pat- 
terson, Putnam, and Imperial Springs ; 
for although, in their normal condition, 



GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS. 25 

each has very distinct individuality, on 
each occasion when one has been de- 
pressed, by excavation or pumping, it 
has unfavorably influenced, some or all, 
of the others.* 

The flow from the springs is con- 
stant from year to year, and at all sea- 
sons, and seems scarcely to suffer by the 
repeated borings in search of new 
water, which here, unfortunately, there 
is no law to control. 

Intermission or spouting occurs in 
fountains such as the Champion and 
Geyser, obtained by deep artesian 
boring ; and is explained on the sup- 
position that the drill opens the water 
cavity at a point below its highest 
part ; thus leaving a kind of pocket 
above the level of the aperture, in 

* A similar circumstance has been observed at Aix- 
la-Chapelle, and other foreign Spas. 



26 



HYDROTHERAPY AT SARATOGA. 



which free gas collects ; until at inter- 
vals the tension becomes so great that 
forcible expansior#takes place : the ac- 
cumulated gas, so to speak, blows 

/ 



V 




itself off, resulting in periodically in- 
creased upward pressure in the tube. 

At the Champion the column of 
water is said to have been driven at 



GEOLOGICAL CONDITIONS. 27 

times upward of ninety feet into the 
air.* Similar, although milder pheno- 
mena, observed at other places,f where 
the paucity of gas would preclude this 
theory, are attributed to syphon action 
emptying a natural cistern, and tem- 
porarily ceasing during the intervals 
while it refills (?). 

Professor Tyndall has demonstrated 
that the magnificent spouting Geysers 
of Iceland owe their recurrent accelera- 
tions to periodic explosions of con- 
densed steam, generated at a higher 
temperature — relatively equal, owing 
to increased pressure — deep in the 
earth's bosom. 

There are already more than forty 

* Butler. 

f Such as Colmars ; or Pliniana on the shores of 
Como, described by Pliny. — Walton. 



28 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

mineral springs in the village and im- 
mediate vicinity of Saratoga ; and 
without doubt others may be dis- 
covered whenever sought for. As far 
as can be ascertained, twenty-eight have 
been analyzed at various periods ; and 
all are so abundantly mineralized that 
there can be no question as to the 
propriety of styling them " mineral 
waters " ; although the term, as gener- 
ally applied, is ambiguous, and not a 
few springs in other localities, which 
have acquired reputation for medical 
properties, are found on analysis to 
differ little from some ordinary potable 
waters. Any one of Saratoga's waters 
possesses more chemical quality and 
therapeutic merit than many European 
Spas, which have earned world-wide 
celebrity. 



CHAPTER IV. 

CLASSIFICATION AND ANALYSES. 

For a clear understanding of the 
general subject, and for comparison of 
our own with foreign waters, a scien- 
tific classification of all mineral springs 
would be desirable ; and has been 
attempted at various times with, un- 
fortunately, but indifferent success. 

There is a French, a German, and 
an American classification. Waters 
have been classified according to 
their chemical characteristics as alka- 
line, saline, chalybeated, sulp hated, 
magnesian, lithic, calcic, salicious, iodizea 7 , 
arsenical, and acidulous ; according to 
their gaseous qualities, as carbonated, 



30 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

sulphuretted, carburetted, and nitro- 
genized or azotized ; according to their 
temperature, as cold, warm and hot, or 
thermal and non-thermal ; and finally, 
according to their therapeutic effects, 
as laxative, aperient, cathartic, diu- 
retic, alterative, anti-lithic, tonic, and 
strengthening. But all of these divi- 
sions are unsatisfactory, and in practice 
misleading. 

In chemical enumeration it is only 
possible to indicate the more promi- 
nent constitutents, ignoring minor 
ones, which not infrequently are im- 
portant factors in determining the 
special characteristic and remedial 
potency of the water ; and further, 
most well-known springs — notably 
those under consideration — contain not 
oiie, but many distinct and important 



CLA SSIFICA TION AND ANAL YSES. 3 1 

mineral ingredients ; and might there- 
fore claim recognition under almost 
any of these headings. Dr. A. C. 
Peale, in his recent valuable reports to 
the United States Geological Survey* 
describes the Saratoga waters as car- 
donated, sodic-muriated, alkaline, saline ; 
to wjiich he might have truthfully sub- 
jointed the additional qualities oichaly- 
beated and calcic. 

From the therapeutical standpoint a 
classification is quite as hopeless. It 
may be frankly admitted that we have 
not as yet a sufficiently accurate clini- 
cal knowledge of the effects of mineral 
water drinking, alone, and unaided by 
auxiliary circumstances, in scientifi- 
cally diagnosed disease, to form a reli- 
able estimate of the relative value of 

* Bulletin, 32. 



3 2 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

springs of various quality ; or the 
exact place to which mineral hydro- 
therapy generally is entitled among 
other measures of sound practice. 
Moreover in attempting to classify a 
water by its effects, it should be re- 
membered that these are largely 
governed by the method of im^iba- 
tion : the hour of the day, the quantity 
taken, and the physical condition of 
the individual. For example, a given 
quantity of any of the saline waters, 
taken fasting in the morning, may act 
as a brisk aperient — by passing rapidly 
through the alimentary canal, thus 
exciting secretion and increased peris- 
taltic action ; whereas, the same quan- 
tity of the same water, taken in divided 
draughts throughout the day, is easily 
absorbed into the blood, and conse- 



CLASSIFICA TION AND ANAL YSES. 33 

quently may produce excellent alterative 
and diuretic effects, but without per- 
ceptible influence upon the bowels. 

As already stated, mineral water 
analysis can only be absolutely reliable 
in the estimation of basic salts and 
acids. The combination of these, as 
supposed to exist in nature, is merely 
surmise upon the part of the analyst ; 
although based upon a general knowl- 
edge of chemical affinities, and no 
doubt in most instances approximately 
correct. 

Unfortunately the present study of 
the Saratoga springs is hampered by 
yet another, and more serious source of 
error, which it is hoped may be early 
eliminated from future investigation. 
Of the analyses now available, not a 
few were made many years ago, long 



34 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

before the use of the spectroscope, and 
other advances in the science of water 
analysis, had rendered possible an 
accurate report. It is therefore emi- 
nently desirable, independent of possi- 
ble changes in the waters themselves, 
that these springs should be re-ex- 
amined by some chemist whose name 
could be accepted as a guarantee. 

Owners neglecting this hint will lay 
themselves open to grave suspicion ; 
more especially, as it has been observed, 
both here and abroad,* that the effects 
of mineral waters are not always what 
might be expected from the analyses ; 
but that certain springs produce more 
powerful influence, and of a nature 
fairly attributable to their contents, 
than do others stated to contain the 

* Madden, " Spas of Germany." 



CLASSIFICA TION AND ANAL YSES. 35 

same ingredients in very much larger 
quantities. 

Nevertheless, in the absence of trust- 
worthy clinical evidence, a careful 
scrutiny and comparison of the com- 
ponent parts shown by analysis will 
always be our best guide in the thera- 
peutic employment of mineral waters. 

Analyses, as commonly presented, 
are startling masses of figures, calcul- 
ated to puzzle even an expert arith- 
metician, and conveying little informa- 
tion to the casual investigator. The 
quantities of quite crude substances are 
stated in fractions so minute as to be 
absolutely ridiculous. For instance, of 
waters such as those under considera- 
tion, many of which contain as much as 
five or six hundred grains of common 
salt to the gallon, it . seems only de- 



3 6 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARA TOGA . 

signed to perplex, that the exact 
quantity of this useful ingredient 
should be particularized down to three 
decimals of a grain per gallon — or 
about the one two-thousandth part, to 
a full gallon of water, of what one 
would ordinarily consume on a boiled 
egg, without being conscious of any 
medication whatever ! 

The following tables are constructed 
so as to show at a glance the quantities 
and proportions of all tangible ingredi- 
ents — a one-hundred part of a grain to 
the gallon being deemed as amply ac- 
curate for even the most scanty and 
potent constituent with which we have 
to deal ; and the water being over- 
credited with any more minute frac- 
tion stated in the analysis quoted. 
"Traces" of commonplace commodities, 



CLA SSIFICA TION A ND ANAL YSES. 3 7 

such as borax and strontia, supposed to 
exist in quantities so infinitesimal as 
cannot be expressed even in thousandth 
parts of a grain to the gallon, and, 
which could not be suspected of thera- 
peutic influence by the most ultra- 
homeopath, are omitted altogether. 

The skeleton table is especially de- 
signed for an easy comparison of the 
different springs. 



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Only the analyses marked * are deemed absolutely reliable at the present time. 
The Hathorn Spring has a new analysis in course of preparation at time of 
going to press, c. Contains Ammonia Bicarb., 6.59 grains, a. Includes Sul- 
phates of Soda, Magnesium and Calcium, pp. Contains Nitrates, 1.08 grain, 
Manganese Bicarb., 1.38 grain, p. Contains Ammonia Bicarb., 2 grains, and 
Manganese, 0.49 grain, r. Given as Oxide of Iron, t Contains Chloride of 
Ammonia, .80 grain. % Contains Chloride of Magnesia, 10.83 grains. 




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SKELETON ANALYSIS OF ONE 
U. S. GALLON. 



Name of Spring. 



P 
J 
O 

cn 
j 

o 
H 


w 

Q 

2 

j 

X 



J 

< 

H 
O 

H 


w 

< £ 

ooa 


2 

O 
X 


5 

h 
. >3 


II2I 


715 


400 


.70 


6.70 


"95 


742 


446 


.65 


6.25 


408 


367 


130 


5-58 




894 


577 


306 


•74 


5-33 


680 


5io 


163 


.80 


2.09 


258 


166 


79 


3.00 




5H 


377 


124 


3.22 




719 


454 


258 


•47 


5-32 


991 


586 


400 


.98 


9.01 


460 


297 


154 


5-39 




821 


512 


305 


.86 


7-3° 


628 


399 


221 


1.48 




270 


127 


140 


.10 


3-24 


35i 


152 


193 


1.56 


5.i3 


1290 


818 


463 


.76 


8.05 


5i8 


381 


233 


1.22 


2.32 


687 


467 


210 


2.58 


9.49 


419 


201 


212 


1.03 


1.29 


416 


213 


197 


1.08 


1.97 


255 


90 


159 


2.10 


•94 


5i8 


274 


236 


1.23 


2.24 


657 


565 


85 


1.72 




302 


135 


160 


1. 71 


.90 


337 


i45 


186 


2.51 


2.04 


696 


462 


228 


.27 


2.00 


33i 


150 


176 




4-85 


35o 


182 


158 


3.81 




3 6 7 


142 


222 


.06 


1.77 



< -5 



;tf.s 



Carlsbad 

Champion .... 
Columbian. . . 

Congress 

Empire 

Eureka 

Excelsior. 

Favorite 

Geyser 

Hamilton. . . . 

Hathorn 

High Rock. . . 
Imperial .... 
Kissengen. .. 
Lafayette. . .. 
Patterson. . . . 

Pavilion 

Peerless 

Putnam 

Red Spring. . . 

Royal 

Saratoga A. .. 

Seltzer 

Star 

Union 

United States 
Washington . . 
Vichy 



7*3 

465 
272 
537 
644 
239 
250 

963 
454 
316 
491 
409 
287 
361 
810 
417 
332 
502 
405 

500 
212 

324 
407 

384 
245 
363 
383 



CHAPTER V. 

COMPONENT PARTS OF THE SARATOGA 
WATERS. 

It will be noticed that identical 
elements are present in almost all the 
Saratoga waters ; a feature which 
would still pertain if the analyses of 
the other famous springs of the world 
were grouped with these in a single 
table. 

Even when compared with the 
popular Bohemian group — Carlsbad, 
Marienbad, and Franzensbad, so much 
sought after by Americans, and 
gravely stated to be "quite different 
from anything in this country " — it 
will be found that the Saratoga waters, 

39 



« 
4° H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

while superior in many respects, are 
composed of practically the same 
chemical ingredients ; with but a single 
exception, scarcely to be regretted, 
the lack of sulphate of soda, or 
glauber salts : a commodity so crude 
and unimportant, that it is passed 
over in a recent text-book of materia 
medica* with the single comment that 
it has " long since ceased to be used." 

But although the same constituents 
exist in the various Saratoga springs, 
they are so diversely proportioned, that 
what are the prominent and potential 
elements of one, have relatively small 
importance in another ; and thus the 
aggregate characteristics differ so 
widely, that we find among them quite 
dissimilar compound remedies ; and fair 

*Bartholow, " Materia Medica." 



I 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 4 1 

representatives of almost every type 
of serviceable mineral water. And, 
strange as it may seem, the particular 
effect of the most prominent compo- 
nent appears to be invariably empha- 
sized by the associated influence of the 
accompanying substances. 

On the other hand, not a few of the 
most esteemed waters are so similar 
throughout ; or the gradations are so 
finely shaded off, that a choice between 
them must rest upon convenience or 
empirical repute. 

All are abundantly supplied with 
carbonic acid gas, the most impor- 
tant component of a mineral water ; 
since, independent of its own special 
qualities, it brings into solution sub- 
stances which would otherwise be in- 
ert, and renders the water attractive, 



42 HYDROTHERAP V AT SARA TOGA. 

palatable, and easily digested. The 
quantity in the Saratoga waters varies 
from 25 to 65 cubic inches to the pint ; 
or about double as much as contained 
in most of their celebrated European 
rivals. It is especially valuable in the 
chalybeate waters, to which — as well 
as the milder alkaline and saline waters, 
such as the Patterson, Peerless, Royal, 
Kissengen, and Vichy — it imparts an 
exceedingly pleasant taste and grate- 
ful influence upon the stomach. 

All contain chlorides of sodium 
and potassium — the chloride of sodium 
ranging, as grains per pint, from 88 in 
the Champion, 84 in the Carlsbad, 70 
in the Geyser, 68 in the Congress, and 
59 in the Hathorn, down to about 11 
in the Red Spring, and 9 in the mis- 
named Magnetic. 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 43 

All contain bicarbonate of sodium, 
the most active of the alkaline group, 
but the Vichy and Kissengen in 
greater quantities, both absolutely 
and in proportion to other ingredients. 

All contain magnesium and calcium, 
but in very diverse proportions. 

All contain lithium* — the Pavilion, 
Geyser, and Hathorn in greater 
quantity than any of " the lithia 
waters " so widely advertised — at least 
four times as much as most of them. 

All contain iron, but in some it is the 
merest trace, scarce noticeable even as 
a tannate when mixed with wines and 
spirits, while the Columbian, Hamilton, 
Washington, and Pavilion are power- 
ful chalybeate waters. 

Almost all contain the iodide and bro- 

* The older analysts probably failed to recognize it. 



44 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

mide of sodium — the latter salt being 
especially noticeable in the Congress — 
but usually in quantities so minute that 
one might question the possibility of 
therapeutic effect, had it not been 
proven by clinical experience ; and did 
we not know that foreign waters, by 
which distinct symptoms of iodism 
have been induced, possess no more 
than these.* The Carlsbad and Pat- 
terson contain bicarbonate of ammonia ; 
and the Putnam and Patterson bicar- 
bonate of manganese. 

Almost all contain sulphate of po- 
tassium, alumina, silica, and barium ; 
scarcely enough, however, to warrant 
the expectation of specific result, but 



* Wildegg, to 16 oz., 0.218 of a grain. — Madden, op. 
cit. Kreuznach, Elise Spring, 0.035; Hall, 0.100; 
Krankenheil and Diirkheim, 0.010. — Braun, op. cit. 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 45 

worth remembering when making 
choice between otherwise similar wa- 
ters. 

As in ordinary prescribing the secret 
of success — our ultra-scientific (?) Ger- 
man confreres notwithstanding — lies 
not so much imthe selection of the single 
drug chiefly indicated in the disease, as 
in skillful combination with it of other 
remedial agents, which, without ham- 
pering its activity in the directions 
looked for, diminish the undesired con- 
sequences frequently unavoidable in 
the adequate exhibition of efficacious 
medicaments. So, in mineral waters 
nature presents us with endless com- 
binations already prepared ; but to 
their proficient utilization a somewhat 
converse talent must be applied. 

The value of a particular substance 



46 



HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 



must be estimated, not only by the ab- 
solute quantities contained in a given 
measure of water, but also in conjunc- 
tion with the other component parts of 
the same water, which are indivisibly 
associated with it. For example, one 
might gladly prescribe the grain of bi- 
carbonate of lithium contained in about 
a pint of Geyser water, without desir- 
ing to administer the seventy grains of 
common salt, which must accompany 
it. Whereas, in another case this pre- 
cise dose of carbonated saline water 
might be exactly what was indicated, 
while the presence or absence of lithium 
would be practically immaterial. 

It is, however, also well before select- 
ing a particular spring and determining 
the dose for a given case, to disassociate, 
and consider separately, the amount 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 47 

and therapeutic significance of its prin- 
cipal components. 

Salines. — Chloride of sodium, or 
common salt, is the most universal in- 
gredient of all mineral waters ; being 
often most prominent even in those 
named after some other characteristic 
component. The considerable quantity 
shown in the analyses of the Saratoga 
springs might startle, and even repel, 
one unaware of its manifold usefulness 
in the workings of the economy. 

The quest of salt, as a daily condi- 
ment, is one of the earliest and in- 
grained of human instincts ; and more 
than any other has marked the advance 
from nomadic to civilized life. Its use 
is amply indorsed by recent physiologi- 
cal experiment. It is found to be by 
far the most constant and plentiful 



4 8 



HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 



mineral compound of the healthy body ; 
and is absolutely essential to its proper 
nutrition and general well-being. Om- 
nipresent in the tissues, bones, and 
juices, it is largely concerned in the 
metabolism — both constructive and 
eliminative — which constitutes the ac- 
tive mechanism of life. Salt is a neces- 
sary constituent of the blood ; main- 
taining the solution of albumen and 
fibrine, while preserving the integrity 
of the blood corpuscles. It promotes 
osmosis, and wherever fluid transuda- 
tion takes place, chloride of sodium is 
certainly present. It favors absorption, 
secretion, and elimination of all kinds 
— more especially, the excretion of 
urea. It increases the flow of gastric 
juice and bile ; contributing to the 
formation of the hydrochloric acid req- 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 49 

uisite to the former. It is also an im- 
portant factor of the saliva and pan- 
creatic juice, thus assisting in the di- 
gestion of starchy foods. It prevents 
fermentation in the stomach and bow- 
els ; and maintains the solubility of the 
chyme, especially as regards albumen- 
ous and amylacious substances. In 
short, it appears to exercise a kind of 
antiseptic, and most beneficial, guard- 
ianship over the entire organism. 

No wonder, then, that it should be 
eaten upon almost every article of food, 
and rank high among the " necessities 
of life." The normal human body con- 
tains about one-quarter of a pound of 
common salt,* and the average con- 
sumption by each person, is supposed to 
range from forty to four hundred grains 

* Lankester ; Dalton, " Human Physiology." 



5° 



HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 



per day ; while in Russia, where, prob- 
ably owing to the dirty habits of the 
people, there seems to be a still greater 
necessity for salt, and two ounces a day 
is not deemed excessive for those who 
can afford it, the divinely assigned 
paternity of the Czar has emphasized 
itself by laws monopolizing the produc- 
tion of that article. 

Considered independently of other 
ingredients, and without reference to 
alteration of accustomed diet, from 
sixty to three hundred grains in the 
daily quantity of mineral water may be 
regarded as a dose. The minimum 
will usually suffice for general purposes, 
while any excess above the maximum 
figure would probably be followed by 
irritation of the stomach and bowels, 
and acute disturbance of digestion, 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WA TERS. $l 

The chloride of potassium, present in 
much smaller quantity, seems to pos- 
sess somewhat analogous properties, 
but is of relatively little importance. 
It is supposed by some recent physiolo- 
gists to be mainly engaged in* retro- 
gressive changes. 

Alkaline Bicarbonates. — Next in 
order, both as to quantity and remedial 
importance, comes the alkaline group : 
the bicarbonates of sodium, magnesium, 
calcium, and lithium. Physiologists fail 
to assign them any well-defined place 
in the workings of the healthy organism. 
Bicarbonate of sodium is believed to 
maintain the normal alkalinity of the 
blood, saliva, bile, milk, and mucous 
secretions ; and to assist the chloride 
of sodium in the solution of fibrin and 

* Wroninch in " Schmidt's Jahrb." — Braun, op. cit. 



52 



HYDROTHERAPY A T SARA TOGA. 



albumen ; lime is concerned in the 
formation and renewal of bone ; and 
traces of each are found in muscles and 
other parts of the body. 

It is, however, in the many abnormal 
conditions, dependent upon excess of 
acid in the system, that the bicarbon- 
ates exercise their highly corrective 
potency. In the state of perfect solu- 
tion in which they exist in these mineral 
waters, they not only neutralize hyper- 
acidity of the stomach and digestive 
tract, but they are rapidly- absorbed 
into the blood and there rectify the 
morbid prominence of acids, which give 
rise to gout, rheumatism, many catarrhs, 
calculus, gravel, and the host of painful 
conditions. Each of the bicarbonates 
co-operates with the others in attaining 
this result. Even the bicarbonate of 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 53 

lime, which has been regarded by some 
as a useless salt, has recently been 
proven on high authority * to exercise 
a particularly beneficial influence by its 
exceptionally high power of amalgam- 
ating with acids, and by interchanges 
with the alkaline phosphates of the 
blood, becoming itself a phosphate. 
It also improves the flavor of the water. 

Bicarbonate of magnesia is perhaps 
the most perfect stomachic antacid ; 
beside possessing a mild purgative 
tendency, which readily re-enforces 
the similar influence of chloride 
salts. 

The exact position of bicarbonate of 
lithia is still difficult to define. Since 



* Moriz Wagner, " Untersuchungen iiber die Re- 
sorption der calciumsalze " ; Pfeiffer ; Furst, Deutsche 
Med. Zeitung, iSpi. 



54 



HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 



the discovery, not so many years ago, 
of its easy affinity for uric acid, it has 
steadily grown in popular favor ; and 
possibly its merits have been exagger- 
ated. Nevertheless, it has been shown 
to unite with uric acid more readily 
than the other alkalies, and to form a 
compound more soluble and readily 
disposed of by the kidneys ; and, even 
by those who declare it overrated, it is 
credited with the peculiar faculty of 
promoting the combining power of the 
other bicarbonates.* Clearly its pres- 
ence cannot be overlooked, even in 
waters otherwise so favored as those of 
Saratoga. 

The alkaline bicarbonates must be 
looked upon as purely remedial — in- 
valuable in various abnormal conditions, 

* Fiirst, Ebstein. 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 55 

but in no sense contributing to the nu- 
trition of the healthy body, as does the 
chloride of sodium. They promote re- 
trogressive change of tissue mainly ; 
and consequently, if it were not for 
the corrective influence of the chloride 
of sodium, would tend, when long 
continued, to weaken digestion, ema- 
ciate the body, and diminish the 
amount of fibrin in the blood. But 
in the Saratoga waters the happy com- 
bination with carbonic acid, and gen- 
erally with iron, as well as the chloride 
of sodium, counteracts their otherwise 
depressing effect ; while the latter salt 
performs yet another important func- 
tion in favoring the safe elimination of 
the various alkaline urates formed by 
the union of the bicarbonates with uric 
acid in the blood ; which might other- 



5 6 HYDRO THE RAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

wise prove as undesirable as the uric 
acid itself. 

The therapeutic uses of the promi- 
nently alkaline waters being mainly 
with the acid dyscrasiae of gout and 
rheumatism, and in certain forms of 
dyspepsia and renal diseases, may ap- 
propriately be discussed more fully 
when considering those conditions in a 
future chapter. 

The value of both chlorides, alka- 
lies and gas, in external application, is 
considered in the chapter upon Baths. 

Iron. — The chalybeate springs of 
Saratoga are in every respect among 
the finest in the world. They contain 
about five and one-half grains of bicar- 
bonate of iron to the gallon, which is 
an unusually large amount ; but, as 
with other distinctly characteristic 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 57 

waters, the utility of the leading com- 
ponent is not so much to be deter- 
mined by the quantity present, as by 
its combination with other ingredients, 
and consequent digestibility. The 
copious impregnation with carbonic 
acid gas, already alluded to, contributes 
largely to the excellence of these 
waters ; for, not only does it increase 
the solubility of the iron itself — thus 
making it infinitely more potent than 
proportionate doses of any pharmaceu- 
tic preparation — but it facilitates its 
amalgamation with the alkaline and 
saline components, conceals the inky 
ferruginous flavor common to chaly- 
beate waters, and renders these spark- 
ling, piquant, and easily assimilated. 

Indeed so palatable are these waters 
that a word of warning is necessary to 



5 8 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

those who, unaware of their medical 
potency, might be tempted to use them 
too freely. 

Iron is not, as most medicines, a 
substance foreign to the normal organ- 
ism. Like the chloride of sodium, it 
exists in many parts of the healthy 
body, and no doubt performs an 
important office. It is a material ele- 
ment of the haematin, which cannot be 
formed without it ; and also of the red 
corpuscles, which represent the life 
supporting function of the blood, and 
have been proven to diminish rapidly 
in numbers when in need of iron.* 

In health, the ordinary mixed diet 
provides enough for all purposes ; but 
during and after exhausting illness, 
severe hemorrhage, or similar depress- 

* Bartholow, op. cit. 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 



59 



ing influences, the want of iron is 
plainly manifest ; and is usually accom- 
panied with such loss of vigor in the 
digestive and assimilative functions, 
that it cannot be supplied in the usual 
form of nutriment. Administered by 
the preparations of the pharmacopoeia, 
the stomach is often intolerant of its 
presence, or it passes away unabsorbed 
in the stools. 

By these chalybeate waters, on the 
other hand, the iron, owing to its abso- 
lute solution, is not only readily 
absorbed — 'thus contributing directly to 
the formation of red blood — but when 
judiciously used promotes digestion, 
increases the disposition to consume 
blood-producing foods, and the ability 
to utilize them. To which ends it is 
seconded by the accompanying salines, 






6o 



HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 



which — not like the sulphate salts — 
show for it a marked affinity ; and 
further, by their laxative tendency, 
avoid in most instances the necessity 
of purgatives, so common during an 
ordinary course of iron. 

From these considerations, may be 
inferred how invaluable is a perfect 
chalybeate water in the long list of 
infirmities in which iron would be indi- 
cated in everyday practice ; that is, in 
all conditions in which anaemia is a 
prominent characteristic : in chlorosis, 
protracted convalescence from severe 
illness, or surgical operations ; in all 
forms of hemorrhage, bad confine- 
ments, and over-prolonged lactation ; in 
almost all derangements of the men- 
strual function — amenorrhcea, of the 
anaemic type, as well as menorrhagia ; 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 



61 



in exhausting catarrhs of the uterus 
and mucus membranes ; in the scrof- 
ulous, malarial, and specific cach- 
exias ; and in the host of other mala- 
dies in which imperfect performance of 
function, general want of tone, and 
debility, indicate poverty of blood. 
It is interesting to note that the more 
recent and direct is the cause of 
anaemia, the more readily is the iron 
taken up, and utilized by the system. 

Valuable as are these waters, it is es- 
sential that all who partake of them, or 
counsel their use by others, should fully 
realize that they are not alone a pleas- 
ant beverage, but more particularly a 
powerful medicament ; which, indis- 
creetly used, is just as potent for evil, 
as, under suitable circumstances, it 
might be for good. 



62 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

Chalybeate waters are contra-indi- 
cated in a very considerable portion of 
cases : in all forms of plethora, espe- 
cially in short-necked, full-blooded per- 
sons, with a proneness to rush of blood 
to the head, and in the hyper-sanguin- 
eous temperament in general; in chronic 
stagnate conditions of the brain or 
cord, nervous hyperemia, accompanied 
with vaso-motor irritability, and a ten- 
dency to hemorrhage or local conges- 
tions ; and in all cases where there is 
reason to suspect the integrity of the 
blood vessels. In all such conditions 
the chalybeate waters might prove ac- 
tively dangerous ; and even Saratoga — 
absolutely safe as one might be led to 
consider the waters, from the reckless 
use of them which is constantly going 
on, without much apparent harm — is not 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 6$ 

without its traditions of serious mishap. 
Even in suitable cases, or in perfect 
health, the excessive use of the stronger 
chalybeate waters is apt to produce 
unpleasant symptoms : excited cardiac 
action, cerebral congestion, mental con- 
fusion, pain in the head and dizziness ; 
and there are some persons who show 
marked repugnance to iron in any tan- 
gible form. Under no circumstance 
can anything be gained by large doses ; 
for, it is an established fact that the 
blood cannot be forced to take up more 
iron than its normal amount — about 
forty-five grains — and the deficiency, no 
matter how caused, can seldom exceed 
ten to twenty grains.* Any attempt 

* Halliburton, "Chemical Physiology"; Dalton,<9/. 
cit.; one part of iron to 230 of red globules, Gorup- 
Basanez. — Bartholow. 



64 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

to introduce more than this quantity, 
merely impedes that, which in smaller 
doses, would have been absorbed and 
utilized. One grain of iron contained 
in about a pint and a half of the Col- 
umbian or Hamilton springs, taken in 
at least three parts throughout the day, 
may be regarded as amply sufficient for 
any indication ; and about one-third of 
that amount as suitable for the average 
case. 

Water. — In a detailed estimate of 
the component parts of a mineral 
water, one is apt to overlook that which 
is not only essential to the utilization 
of all the others, but, by its own merits, 
frequently contributes most to the 
beneficial results of an hydriatic course 
— the water itself. 

Few persons, even among those con- 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 65 

spicuous in discussing medical topics, 
realize the diatetic value of water, or 
give thought to the elementary truism, 
that two-thirds of the human body are 
composed of that commodity.* It is 
abundant in tfoe blood, and in all the 
secretions, contributing from eighty to 
ninety-nine per cent, of the entire vol- 
ume of the latter ; while not less than 
fifteen or sixteen pounds of water cir- 
culate in the blood of the average 
sized person. f It constitutes about sev- 
enty per cent, of muscle, and propor- 
tionately of all other animal structures. 
Not only is water thus preponderant 
in quantity, but it is the most indispen- 
sable element in all the complex phe- 
nomena of life. It maintains the fluid- 

* Dalton, op. cit., et al, 70 per cent.; Halliburton, 
op. cit., 58.5 of the adult, and 66.4 of the infant. 
t Weber and Lehmann, " Physiological Chemistry." 



66 



HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 



ity of the blood and juices, requisite for 
the solution of their component ma- 
terial, and the healthy performance of 
function. It is the vehicle by which 
nutrient matter is carried into the cir- 
culation, and thence applied to the sus- 
tenance of the body ; but, even while 
nutrition is occurring, destructive 
changes are taking place simultan- 
eously, and hence, water is again neces- 
sary for the solution and discharge of 
used-up material. In fact, water is es- 
sential and subservient to every vital 
process of the organism : to chemical 
union and decomposition, to digestion, 
absorption, transudation, nutrition, se- 
cretion, and elimination ; and, conse- 
quently, needs continual replenishment, 
in order that its multitudinous duties 
may be efficiently performed. 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 67 

Physiologists * calculate that about 
two quarts of water per day, taken into 
the system either as fluid or a compon- 
ent of solid food, is requisite for the 
ordinary adult. Which amount — or, 
strange to say, even a little more, sup- 
posed to result from the union of its 
chemical elements within the body — 
having formed an integral part of all 
the animal tissues, and become laden 
with the effete products of retrogressive 
change, is daily discharged by the kid- 
neys, skin, lungs, and bowels. 

There are times, however, by no 
means infrequent, owing to injudicious 
diet, lack of exercise, or other causes 
inherent to our civilization, when this 
ordinary circulation of water seems in- 
sufficient for the purposes of the econ- 

* Banal, Dalton. 



68 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

omy ; when morbid materials have accu- 
mulated in the blood and tissues, which, 
unless eliminated, are sure to manifest 
their presence in some form of ill-health. 
Under such circumstances, the copious 
imbibation of even ordinary water, 
without any medicinal ingredient, will, 
if tolerated by the stomach, usually 
answer the indication to a marvelous 
degree ; for not only does the unaccus- 
tomed supply of water directly stimu- 
late the excretory organs, but the in- 
creased fluidity facilitates a semi-me- 
chanical flushing-out of tlte entire sys- 
tem. It has been demonstrated experi- 
mentally* that water introduced into 
the stomach, especially when of moder- 
ate temperature, is rapidly absorbed 
into the blood, and almost immediately 

* Becquerel, Genth, Mosler, Braun. 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 



69 



followed by increased secretion of all 
kinds — of saliva, gastric and pancreatic 
juices, bile, perspiration, exhalation, and 
urine ; and not only is the volume of 
fluid augmented, but also, very largely, 
the quantity of normal solids. For in- 
stance, of the urine, it has been proven 
that unaccustomed plentiful water- 
drinking, although actually diminish- 
ing the amount of uric acid, will in- 
crease, not only the quantity of water, 
but also the aggregate of other solids — 
mainly urea, by twenty to twenty-four 
per cent, in twerrty-four hours. 

From these considerations, it will be 
seen how important is the regular con- 
sumption of fluid. The habit, espe- 
cially common among young ladies, of 
deluging the stomach with iced water, 
is unquestionably injurious — producing 



70 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

chronic congestion, gastric catarrh, 
and dyspepsia, and thus seriously im- 
paring general nutrition ; while, on the 
contrary, the moderate use of fluids — 
of water, when it can be obtained free 
from the organic impurities so danger- 
ous in the surface-collected waters of 
cities, or of light wine at meal times,, 
especially as an adjunct to animal 
food — promotes digestion and sustains 
health. For those unable to exercise 
freely, a liberal supply of water is par- 
ticularly desirable ; and, it should be 
remembered, that on account of its 
gentle stimulating quality, the stomach 
will bear without distress, a much 
larger quantity of gaseous than of 
plain water. 

In the present treatise, however, we 
are concerned less with the dietetic uses 



COMPONENT PARTS OF WATERS. 



71 



of water, than with its special influence 
as the main factor in an occasional 
course of mineral hydrotherapy ; and 
the agent by which important medic- 
inal substances are conveyed into the 
system. Anyone who has had the 
patience to study the previous pages, 
has at least acquired this rudimental 
principle in the scientific utilization of 
the Saratoga, or any other mineral , 
waters : that even when considered 
separately, the main tendency of 
the water itself, as well as of its 
principle ingredients, is to promote 
tissue change, or metabolism ; and that 
when taken conjointly, in the form of 
a natural mineral water, they so mu- 
tually re-enforce each other, that a 
powerful influence is exercised in this 
direction. 



CHAPTER VI. 

METABOLISM, AND ALTERATIVE EFFECTS. 

For the benefit of the non-medical 
reader, it may be well, at this point, to 
interpose a word of explanation of the 
term just used, which, although by 
no means generally understood, has 
already, more than once, crept into this 
work, and will be frequently and un- 
avoidably used hereafter. The vital 
process, or combination of processes, 
variously described as, change of tis- 
sue, tissue metamorphosis, or metabol- 
ism, includes almost all the mechanico- 
chemical operations inherent to animal 
life : respiration, circulation, alimenta- 
tion, nutrition, and excretion ; the 

73 



74 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

mysterious association of function, by 
which substances of certain quality are 
taken into the body as food, digested 
by the ferments of the alimentary 
canal, assimilated and absorbed into 
the blood, given off again to support 
the structures of the body, and ulti- 
mately converted into heat, force, vi- 
tality, and life. In every living organ- 
ism there simultaneously progress a 
building up, and a tearing down of tis- 
sue : a constant interchange of used- 
up, for utilizable material. A certain 
energy is expended in the process of 
excreting and getting rid of the effete 
products of combustion, which, having 
fulfilled their parts in nutrition, are no 
longer of use in the system — this pro- 
cess is retrogressive metabolism. The 
loss so caused is compensated for by 



METABOLISM AND ALTERATIVES. 



75 



the in-take and assimilation of new- 
substances, which are as constantly 
devoted to the recuperation of the 
economy — this process is progressive, 
or constructive metabolism. Any slug- 
gishness or impairment of either or 
both of these great functions — whether 
the result of defect in some particular 
organ, or a general dyscrasia, such as 
malaria, scrofula, rheumatism, gout, or 
specific infection — soon manifests itself 
in some form of ill-health. 

And here, may be appropriately de- 
fined yet another term inevitable to 
our subject, but, which seldom conveys 
any definite meaning to the non-profes- 
sional mind : an alterative is a medica- 
ment, or an influence, which without 
purgation, diuresis, or other noticeable 
excess of secretion, or antecedent 



76 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA , 

phenomena of any kind, restores to its 
normal condition the disordered pro- 
cess of metabolism. It is mainly be- 
cause of their alterative quality, that the 
Saratoga waters are so superlatively 
valuable in almost every form of 
chronic disease — in all of an indolent 
character. It is equally, because of 
their stimulating influence upon metab- 
olism, that they are usually contra- 
indicated in malignant, wasting, or 
inflammatory ailments ; or where in- 
creased constitutional activity might 
be injurious. 

If excuse be needed for the possibly 
tedious physiological details of the 
previous pages, and the frequent refer- 
ence to metabolism in those to come, 
let it be plainly stated, that without 
at least as much knowledge of these 



ME TABOLISM AND AL TERA TIVES. 7 7 

matters as here conveyed, the scien- 
tific, or even rational, use of miner- 
al waters would be absolutely impos- 
sible ; and one might as well, at the 
outset, take council with the hall-boy, 
or the advertising' circular of almost 
any spring. All are sure to name 
the complaint of immediate inter- 
est ; since all lay claim to curative 
powers in well-nigh every disease in 
the nosology. Take but a single ex- 
ample. There is scarcely a mineral 
spring anywhere upon the face 
of the globe, which does not pre- 
tend to cure rheumatism — and yet 
what widely different conditions are 
included under that single term. 
Who can suppose that the remedy, 
which would benefit an ancient and 
dried-up valetudinarian, suffering from 



78 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

a chronically stiff hip-joint, could be at 
all suitable, or otherwise than deleteri- 
ous, to a young person with high 
fever, and acute inflammation of the 
heart and pericardium ; yet both may be 
suffering from rheumatism. 

Under ordinary circumstances the 
Saratoga waters, taken in sufficient 
quantity, produce purgation, diuresis, 
diaphoresis, and other soon manifest 
effects upon excretion ; which are 
usually highly advantageous, especially 
when commencing a course — but any or 
all of which might, in most instances, 
be as well attained by a suitable pre- 
scription dispensed according to the 
pharmacopoeia. It is not, therefore, 
upon such results alone — however use- 
ful under certain conditions — that the 
deservedly high reputation of these 



METABOLISM AND ALTERATIVES. 79 

waters depend. It is rather upon their 
secondary, or alterative effects, in the 
innumerable chronic conditions of ill 
health — none the less serious because 
ill-defined — consequent upon vitiated 
blood, or some morbific constitutional 
tendency, defective digestion, imper- 
fect nutrition, or partial failure of 
any of the vital functions included 
under the general term metabol- 
ism. 

Here is the sphere in which mineral 
hydrotherapy stands absolutely with- 
out a rival ; where a properly directed 
course of Saratoga waters — whether 
taken internally or used as baths, or 
both at the same time, or alternately 
as circumstances dictate — will often suc- 
ceed in restoring health, even when the 
ordinary methods of sound practice 



So HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

have proved ineffectual. But to obtain 
these happy results, with the approxi- 
mate regularity of ordinary scientific 
treatment, we must adopt the same 
careful system of prescribing : we must 
abandon the happy-go-lucky empiricism 
of sending patients to springs, of 
whose constituents and mode of action 
we know little, simply because others 
are said to have been cured of like- 
named ailments — but of what type or 
special characteristics we know noth- 
ing; and finally, we must fully recog- 
nize this fundamental principle of 
rational hydro-therapeutics : that, in 
their most precious capacity, mineral 
waters seldom act directly as specifics 
for disease, but rather as correctives 
of the constitutional conditions, which 
give rise to and maintain it ; and, con- 



METABOLISM AND ALTERATIVES. 81 

sequently, although the good effects 
may not be immediately evident, they 
are reliable ; and will be found more 
permanent than those obtainable by 
other means. 

Indeed, in many cases, the benefit 
experienced from a course of mineral 
water is more marked after, than dur- 
ing, the treatment, although none the 
less attributable to it. And this is why 
many of the same persons year after 
year visit Saratoga, not so much at- 
tracted by its gaieties and pleasant life, 
or even the prospect of immediate re- 
lief, as to obtain a fresh supply of 
health, sufficient to last them over 
another year. 

It naturally follows, that just in pro- 
portion as we recognize the remedial 
value of these waters, we must regard 



.82 HYDROTHERAPY AT SARATOGA. 

them as medicaments, not to be indulged 
in as an ordinary beverage, or without 
considering their therapeutic effects, and 
the requirements of the individual con- 
stitution. There can be no doubt that 
reckless or ill-advised potation of the 
stronger waters has led to unpleasant 
consequences ; and subsequently, to un- 
just condemnation of the springs, by 
persons who should rather have 
blamed their own stupidity. Even 
the delicious milder waters, although 
scarcely capable of serious harm, 
under ordinary conditions, are so 
well equipped with gas and minerals, 
that they should not be partaken of 
without reference to the state of diges- 
tion, and other circumstances. The 
hospitable friend, who at the cost of 
five cents, would insist" upon treating 



ME TABOLISM AND AL TERA Tl VES. 83 

you to a glass of Vichy, is asking you 
to consume close upon fifteen grains of 
alkaline bicarbonates ; which may be 
precisely what you need to correct the 
hyper-acidity of your stomach ; but, if 
the circumstances are otherwise, he 
might, with at least equal propriety, in- 
vite you to a quinine pill at the drug 
store, or to name your choice refresh- 
ment elsewhere. 

The special conditions of ill-health 
to which the Saratoga waters are 
scientifically applicable in accordance 
with the analyses, or, in which the 
happy experience of thousands has ac- 
corded to them a well merited reputa- 
tion, will be more fully discussed in a 
subsequent chapter ; where, will also 
be found some instruction in the best 
method of using them, and the auxiliary 



84 HYDRO THERAP V AT SARA TOGA . 

conditions most favorable to a success- 
ful issue. 

Meantime, it is desirable that the 
reader should understand something of 
the physiology and therapeutic influ- 
ence of mineral baths, which in many 
ailments are scarcely less important 
than the drinking of mineral water, 
and for the use of which there are ex- 
cellent opportunities at Saratoga. 



CHAPTER VII. 

BALNEOLOGY, OR THE SCIENCE OF 
BATHING. 

The use of mineral baths forms an 
important, although much neglected, 
branch of hydrotherapy. In no other 
part of our subject does so much uncer- 
tainty and contradiction prevail ; or, is 
it so often difficult, even for those thor- 
oughly well-informed, to reconcile the 
clinical results empirically obtained, 
with any rational theory of physiology 
or animal chemistry. 

In all ages baths have been esteemed 
as valuable in promoting health and 
combating disease ; but, until compara- 
tively recently, there has been scarce an 
85 



86 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

effort on the part of physiologists to 
explain their beneficial effects, or dem- 
onstrate the method of their action ; 
and, even among .physicians, there still 
obtains a wide ignorance of the tech- 
nique of scientific bathing. 

First, a word upon % the conditions 
common to bathing generally, whether 
with ordinary or mineral water. Aside 
from the special advantages of cleanli- 
ness — which, naturally are of the first 
moment, since the skin is one of the 
most important, and probably the most 
diversely functioned of human organs, 
and a healthy skin is impossible with- 
out cleanliness — baths may for practical 
purposes be divided now, as they were 
by Hippocrates, into two classes: (i) 
Tonic or Stimulating Baths — consisting 
of cold water, or warm water quickly 



THE SCIENCF OF BATHING. 87 

followed by cold, and taken either as 
the full bath, plunge, douche, shower, 
sponge, or needle bath ; and (2) Seda- 
tive Baths — of lukewarm, tepid, or hot 
water, vapor, or air ; and taken in 
the ordinary bath tub, or sitz bath, 
or as Russian or Turkish baths, or 
as sprays, jets, the wet pack, or hot 
compress. 

The conclusions of recent investiga- 
tors* may be somewhat tersely sum- 
marized as follows : The primary ef- 
fects of a cold bath, no matter how 
administered — or, indeed, of cold in 
any form applied to the surface of the 
body — are to induce contraction of the 
external blood vessels, to accelerate the 

*Liebermeister of Basel, Rohrig, Zuntz, Colasanti, 
Finkler, Voit, Rembold, Winternitz, Delmas Saint- 
Hilaire, Jiirgensen, Bartels, Pfluger, Thompson, Braun, 
and others. 



8$ hydroTherap y at Sara rod A. 

pulse and rate of respiration, to in- 
crease the secretion of urine, the excre- 
tion of carbonic acid, the consumption 
of oxygen, accompanied by augmented 
tissue metamorphosis — the decomposi- 
tion of non-nitrogenous matter, and 
the conversion of fats ; and, lastly, to 
heighten the external expenditure and 
internal production of heat. 

The increased elimination of carbonic 
acid is very large, sometimes as much 
as four or five hundred per cent. ; * and, 
although the loss of heat usually ex- 
ceeds its increased production, so that 
the mean result is a lowering of bodily 
temperature, an exception may occur 
when the cold applied is very intense — 
thus stimulating actively the heat-pro- 
ducing function — but of such 'momen- 

* Braun. 



The science of bathing. 89 

tary duration, that little pre-existing 
heat is abstracted. 

Under ordinary circumstances, the 
measure of these effects is in direct pro- 
portion to the degree of refrigeration — 
which may be regarded as the index of 
peripheral irritation — but inversely to 
its duration. In most cases, however, 
reaction soon takes place, a new set of 
phenomena of precisely opposite char- 
acter are manifested, and before long 
the opposing conditions have equalized 
one another, and systemic equilibrium 
is restored. But, if the cold is so in- 
tense that the initial stimulus merges 
at once into depressing shock, or so 
prolonged that the aggregate temper- 
ature of the bather is considerably re- 
duced, then the effects are precisely 
contrary to those just described, and in 



9° H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

addition, there occurs increased decom- 
position of azotized substances, and ex- 
cretion of urea. 

Experiments in the physiology of 
tepid and warm baths give less notable 
results. In the warm bath, of ordinary 
temperatures, the primary changes are 
not so marked as in cold bathing, and are 
naturally of opposite character. When, 
however, the bath — whether of air, 
vapor, or water — is extremely hot, or so 
long continued that the internal tem- 
perature of the body is materially 
raised, the phenomena presented re- 
semble in many respects those noted in 
the early stage of moderate cold bath- 
ing ; but, instead of rapidly reacting, 
these increase in proportion to the du- 
ration and intensity of the bath. 

This curious similarity of the primary 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 9 1 

changes in the temperate cold bath, to 
the secondary ones of the extreme hot 
bath — the difference lying in the sub- 
sequent appearance or non-appearance 
of reaction — renders the physiology of 
balneo-therapeutics somewhat compli- 
cated ; but readily emphasizes the fact 
that considerable intelligence must be 
exercised in the choice and direction of 
baths, in order to obtain, in every case, 
the desired result. 

Under suitable conditions, and prop- 
erly applied, the constitutional effect of 
a cold bath is exhilarating, and unques- 
tionably beneficial. There is a, pecu- 
liar and delicious sense of invigoration, 
and increased muscular force ; which 
latter is especially interesting, as it has 
been shown that the reflex tissue 
changes take place very largely in the 



92 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

muscles.* The mind is also refreshed. 
There is a feeling of buoyancy, and 
readiness to undertake exertion, psy- 
chical as well as physical ; and although, 
as has been said, the aggregate temper- 
ature of the body is usually lowered,f 
in consequence of the loss of heat dur- 
ing the bath exceeding its increased 
production, yet, there is experienced 
a pleasant sensation of expansive 
warmth — the manifestation of physi- 
ological reaction from the stimulus of 
cold. 

Except in the treatment of fever — a 
discussion of which would lead beyond 
the scope of this work J — when it 
may be desired to reduce perma- 

* Bell, Jour. Bal. and Diet. 
t Braun.tran. Herman Weber. 
I Currie, Brand, Ziemssen, Winternitz, J. C. Wilson, 
and others. 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 93 

nently an abnormal pyrexia, the sub- 
stantial benefit of the cold bath lies, 
not so much, in the immediate physi- 
ological effects, which are exceedingly 
transient in character, as in the vigor 
and persistency of the reaction. 

This, when practiced regularly, affords 
to the blood vessels, and the great sys- 
tem of sympathetic nerves which con- 
trol them, a kind of calisthenic exercise, 
eminently salutary ; and prophylactic 
against dangerous congestions of mu- 
cous membranes or internal organs. 
It stimulates and strengthens the heart,* 
lungs, nerve-centers, and musular sys- 
tem. It improves the appetite, aug- 
ments the functions of the skin, kidneys, 
and liver ; and by the elimination of 
carbonic acid, and the effete products 

* Winternitz. 



94 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SA RA TOGA. 

of tissue t combustion, improves the 
quality of the blood. 

But like all remedies potent for good, 
the cold bath is not without danger 
when unwisely handled. When from 
any cause, whether general debility or 
disease of internal viscera, the system 
is incapable of rapjd and effective re- 
sponse, cold in any form is hazardous. 
Cold baths are contra-indicated in al- 
most every form of advanced organic 
disease, especially of the blood vessels, 
heart, kidneys, liver, or spleen ; except, 
perhaps, when many years of favorable 
experience may justify their contin- 
uance, but even then, it should be in 
modified form, and with great caution. 
Those unaccustomed to cold baths, and 
old persons in whom the arteries are 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 95 

liable to be weakened, should never 
commence their use without competent 
advice. 

As a matter of fact, cerebral apo- 
plexy, congestion of the Kings, and sim- 
ilar dangers, so dreaded by those un- 
familiar with the subject, are rarely 
observed ; but, occasionally, reaction is 
exceedingly difficult to establish — most 
frequently when the bath has been over- 
prolonged — and, imprudent bathers may 
remain for hours in a state of alarming 
depression, the result of primary shock, 
or too protracted cooling. The colds 
of everyday life are more likely to 
arise from a passing draught of air, ac- 
cidentally wet feet, or some like appar- 
ently trivial cause, than from the most 
extreme hydriatic procedures : a cir- 
cumstance explained by Braun, "be- 



96 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARA TOGA . 

cause, most colds arise from cold locally 
applied, and the more locally limited is 
the refrigeration of the skin, the less is 
the general production of heat and re- 
action." Indeed, it may be stated, that 
regular cold bathing, by educating the 
peripheral nerves and vaso-motor sys- 
tem to withstand temperature changes, 
is the very best preventative against the 
ordinary catarrhs of our trying climate. 
To advocate a therapeutic measure, 
and then so limit its applicability as to 
exclude almost every condition of dis- 
ease, may appear paradoxical; but such 
would be the fate of any other remedy, 
no matter how valuable, if considered in- 
dividually, in reference to an equally 
wide range of maladies. It should be 
easily understood, from the foregoing 
synopsis of the physiology of the cold 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 97 

bath, that, as its modus operandi in 
strengthening and curing is to stimu- 
late and intensify vital functions, a cer- 
tain textural integrity of the organs, 
responsible for those functions, is essen- 
tial to a satisfactory result. It follows, 
and experience amply demonstrates, 
that in the chronic diatheses, such as 
gout, rheumatism, or scrofula, in the 
earlier manifestations of tubercle, and 
other conditions dependent largely 
upon disordered function and defects 
of nutrition, cold baths are capable of 
immeasurable good. 

Mineral Baths. — The previous re- 
marks, and those to follow upon the 
technique of balneology, apply, almost 
equally, to bathing with ordinary as 
with mineral water. 

Now, to determine the reason of the 



98 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARA TOGA . 

unquestionably greater curative efficacy 
of the latter. 

Theoretically it rests upon credence 
in the capability of the cutaneous sur- 
face to absorb salts and gases — a doc- 
trine unreservedly accepted in the past, 
and abundantly proven of salts, when 
applied as unguents or liniments. It 
gives a comprehensible explanation of 
the best results observed, and, there- 
fore, has been loudly advocated by 
those financially interested in mineral 
springs. Nevertheless, experiment, al- 
though proving the absorption of 
gases,* throws grave doubt upon the 
possibility of any tangible amount of 
mineral matter being taken into the 
system in this way.f On the other 

* Martigny, Lebkiichner, Krause, Gerlach, Braun, 
etc. 

t Kletzinski, Lehmann, Herbert. 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 90 

hand, we have the accumulated evi- 
dence of all times, that baths of certain 
mineral impregnation have a curative 
potency, distinct from and beyond, the 
effects of simple water ; and not explain- 
able as cutaneous stimulation alone — 
although, no doubt, an important 
factor.* Braun remarks : " The ques- 
tion of absorption remains an open one, 
and the one fact alone seems to be 
satisfactorily proved, that absorption, if 
it does take place in the bath, can only 
be small in amount." It is worthy of 
consideration, however, that no matter 
how minute may be the quantity of 
saline matter absorbed by the skin, 
such as it is, it passes directly and un- 
changed, into the circulation ; and thus 
may induce therapeutic results entirely 

* Rohrig, Zuntz. 



ioo HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

out of proportion to the same, or many 
times a greater, quantity taken by the 
stomach. Unquestionably, too, the bi- 
carbonate of soda, and other alka- 
lies, produce a salutary, softening in- 
fluence upon the skin, probably by 
chemical solution of its secretions and 
the scales of the epidermis ; thus, 
augmenting in a high degree the 
healthful function of that important 
organ. 

The ocean itself is a great reservoir 
of mineral water, and, except in lack- 
ing gaseous impregnation, is by no 
means dissimilar to the stronger saline 
waters of Saratoga, or the world-famed 
sool baths of Europe ; yet, who will 
combat the universal belief that sea- 
bathing possesses virtues unequaled 
by fresh water, or the time-honored 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. ioi 

tradition that "a wetting by sea water 
does not give cold." 

The Hygienic Cold Bath. — A morn- 
ing plunge in the ordinary bath-tub, or 
the shower, or English sponge bath, 
are the best methods of regular hy- 
gienic bathing. A rational tempera- 
ture ranges from 75 or 8o° F., down 
to 45 F. ; but a bath of about 6o° F. 
will usually give the most salutary re- 
sult to the average constitution. Ex- 
ceptionally robust individuals, com- 
monly those accustomed to active 
country life, may habituate themselves, 
without detriment — so long as they re- 
main organically sound — to very much 
lower temperatures.* There can be 

* Recently a medical writer described his personal 
experience of twelve years with cold river baths in 
winter. The bath was taken between six and seven 
o'clock in the morning, and even when the thermom- 



I o 2 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARATOGA. 

no doubt, however, that the unaccus- 
tomed, and ill-advised, use of exces- 
sively cold water is capable of serious 
injury ; and has done mu*ch to mar the 
popularity of cold bathing, and foster 
deep-rooted prejudice against its rea- 
sonable employment. 

The most assured results will be 
obtained by moderation ; and, there 
being no certain guide, beyond ex- 
perience, to the reactive capacity of an 
individual, it is wise to commence with 
milder hydriatic methods, such as a 

eter was as low as io° F. On windy days he was 
able to dispense with a towel, and dry himself by 
walking up and down in the breeze. This apparently 
suicidal procedure produced in him an agreeable 
effect. — Ny. Medicinische Monatschriff, July, 1891. 
But doctors differ : not long since a physician of Iowa 
remarked at a scientific meeting, " that the people of 
his State bathe but once a year, and yet they have a 
minimum death rate!" — The Post Graduate N. Y. 
Medical Record, March 5, 1892. 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 103 

shower or sponge bath at a tempera- 
ture not lower than 8o° F., and then 
proceed gradually — sometimes after an 
interval of several days — to the more 
severe. 

Mineral water, on account of its ex- 
tra stimulating qualities, may be used 
colder than plain water ; and the 
shower, rain, or sitz bath, than when 
the entire body is immersed. 

The period of immersion should sel- 
dom exceed two minutes ; and usually 
the fullest benefit may be derived in 
less than one-half that time. It is a 
good method for those in average 
health to stand up in the bath after the 
the first fifteen or twenty seconds' im- 
mersion — rub the body briskly, soap 
being used if desired, and the nature 
of the water permits it — and then take 



1 04 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

another plunge, with continued active 
rubbing under water. Thus is obtained 
the benefit of a second reaction, to- 
gether with thorough cleansing of the 
skin. 

It is important that all forms of cold 
bath should be taken in a moderately 
warm and well-ventilated room ; and 
immediately followed by brisk friction 
with a rough towel or flesh brush. The 
skin and nails should show a reddish 
tint : any bluish or mottled appearance 
indicates that the reactive powers have 
been overtaxed, and consequently the 
bath injurious. 

The custom of returning to a warm 
bed after a cold bath, recommended at 
some German Spas,* seems justified 

*Teplitz, Ragatz.Wildbad, Warmbrunn, Wiesbaden, 
and others. 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. io$ 

by no sound reason. For the healthy 
fresh air, exercise, and a good breakfast 
would be more salutary ; and, when 
the object is to promote perspiration, 
this can be better attained by a hot 
vapor bath or wet pack. 

A cold bath should never be taken 
after a heavy meal, but a cup of coffee 
or other light refreshment before the 
morning bath is, for delicate persons, 
by no means undesirable. A cold bath 
is also contra-indicated in excessive 
fatigue, or when the body is perspiring, 
or is chilled, or exhausted from any 
cause. After violent exercise it is 
prudent to rest for half an hour, or 
first take a warm bath, which produces 
much the same effect, before shocking 
the system with cold. 

When only one bath is taken each 



106 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

day — and this is usually sufficient, ex- 
cept under special advice, as treatment 
for definite disease — the morning, im- 
mediately after rising, is decidedly the 
best time : not only, because it is usually 
the most convenient, and the system is 
rested and ready for reactionary gym- 
nastics, but also, because it is the time 
of the twenty-four hours (between 7 
a. m. and noon) when the natural heat 
of the body is approaching its maxi- 
mum point. If a second cold bath is 
indicated, it should be taken from one 
to two hours before dinner, so as to al- 
low at least half an hour for absolute 
repose. If taken late at night the re- 
action may interfere with sleep, al- 
though, as will be seen later, the tran- 
quilizing effect of the lukewarm bath 
or wet pack tend to promote it. 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 107 

It is a common error to suppose that 
only persons of active habits and ro- 
bust constitution may advantageously 
use the cold bath. On the contrary, 
those who are by nature feeble, or per- 
sons obliged to lead an enervating, sed- 
entary life, derive even greater benefit 
from its judicious employment. To 
such, it is the very best general tonic, 
substitute for exercise, conservator of 
health, and prophylactic against the 
diseases to which they are especially 
liable ; but naturally, in these cases, 
extra care must be exercised in matters 
of technique ; and it should be borne 
in mind, that, as in all applications of 
heat and cold, absolutely contradic- 
tory results are apt to follow ap- 
parently similar procedures ; the effect 
not desired may ensue from neglect 



108 HYDROTHERAPY AT SARATOGA. 

of some seemingly unimportant de- 
tail. 

The Hot Bath. — Little need be 
said of the positively hot bath ; by 
which is meant submersion, for an ap- 
preciable time, in water at a tempera- 
ture of from 105 to 120 F. 

Unless extreme in heat, and conse- 
quently injurious, the physiological 
effects of such a bath, are of slight 
consequence to those in health ; and 
only in some forms of rheumatism, 
and rare emergencies — such as the 
passage of a calculus, irreducible her- 
nia, retention of urine, or when it is 
urgently desired to draw blood to the 
surface, in order to relieve sudden con- 
gestion of internal organs — are they 
of remedial importance in disease. 
Besides the extremely hot bath is famil- 
iar, and already too popular, in many 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 109 

households ; and even when used by the 
healthy, for purposes of cleanliness, 
claims rather a word of caution than of 
advocacy. While cold bathing is, as a 
general experience, more appreciated 
by men than by women, the habitual 
use of very hot baths is frequent among 
ladies ; and, unless followed by a cool 
douche or shower, which is seldom the 
case, is decidedly injurious — debilitating 
to the nervous system, relaxing to the 
muscles, and subversive of graceful con- 
tour. 

On the contrary, the warm bath (from 
95 to 102 F.), in every form, has a 
wide range of therapeutic usefulness ; 
and, paradoxical as it may seem, is 
often applicable to the same class of 
cases for which cold bathing has already 
been recommended. 

The fundamental purport of both 



HO H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

cold and warm bathing is the same — 
i. e. t to promote function. Cold accom- 
plishes this end by stimulating latent 
force into activity ; warmth, by physi- 
cally facilitating the defective perform- 
ance of organic life, Cold contracts 
peripheral blood vessels, increasing ar- 
terial tension, but, as a secondary effect, 
expands them ; warmth relaxes at once. 
Baruch * remarks, that, " by means of 
hydrotherapy we may exercise perfect 
control of the pressure and distribu- 
tion of the blood." True, in a great 
measure : but, at times, it is no simple 
task to elect the method most likely to 
give the result desired. As, in localized 
inflammations, one may hesitate be- 
tween the ice-bag and the more con- 
servative system of hot fomentations 

* " Syst. Pract. Therapeutics." — Hare. 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. m 

and poultices ; so, under some circum- 
stances, it needs an educated judgment 
to determine whether a given constitu- 
tion possesses sufficient reserve vitality 
to profit by a refrigeration, demanding 
strong reaction, or, whether it is wiser 
to rest content with making easier the 
imperfect efforts of nature, by the im- 
mediate application of warmth. 

The salutary administration of cold 
presupposes sufficient structural integ- 
rity of viscerae to insure benefit from 
rapid changes of vascularity, and suffi- 
cient capacity for internal heat-produc- 
tion to compensate for the pre-existing 
heat abstracted in the bath. Warmth, 
on the other hand, makes no such de- 
mand. It takes nothing from the or- 
ganic force inherent to the individual, 
and, at the same time, although in a 



112 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARATOGA. 

lesser degree, serves the same thera- 
peutic purpose. For this reason, it is 
suitable to the majority of persons who 
seek professional advice, and to whom 
cold bathing would be contra-indicated 
by some of the conditions already 
stated. 

Warm Mineral Baths. — No thermal 
springs have yet been discovered in 
this section of the country — the high- 
est natural temperature in New York 
State being 75 F., at Lebanon.* They 
abound, however, in the Western States 
and other parts of the world ; notably 
on the continent of Europe, where they 
are much esteemed in the treatment of 
chronic gout, rheumatism, scrofula, skin 
diseases, and a variety of other com- 
plaints ; but, the technique usually 
* Peale, United States Geographical Survey. 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 113 

occupies more time than even the 
average health-seeking American would 
be willing to expend ; and, in many 
places, leads to social institutions not 
likely to become fashionable here. 
For instance, at Leukerbad, " gentle- 
men and ladies bathe together in reser- 
voirs adapted for about twenty persons, 
beguiling the time with conversation, 
reading, taking luncheon, and playing 
dominoes on floating boards. The 
bathers, attired in woolen mantles and 
capes, in this manner avoid the ennui 
otherwise unavoidable."* 

The Saratoga waters are naturally 
cold (from 40 to 52 F.) ; but may be 
heated to any point desired with practi- 
cally no change in mineralization, and 
a loss of gas so insignificant that, even 

* Braun. 



1 14 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

after the heating process, these waters 
still contain about double as much as 
the most celebrated thermal baths of 
Europe. The Schwartz system of 
bath-tub, extensively used at foreign 
resorts with the view of lessening the 
escape of gas during the heating of 
naturally cool water, is therefore 
unnecessary here ; and, as the notion of 
" a telluric, or electro-volcanic " heat, 
with specific properties dissimilar from 
those of ordinary heat, exists only in 
the imagination and parlance of the 
spa charletan, it is ridiculous to 
assert, that the heating of these waters, 
being artificial, detracts in any respect 
from their remedial potency, as com- 
pared with naturally hot baths. 

Indeed, the Saratoga waters are so 
highly saturated with gas, that, under 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 115 

some circumstances, its excess may 
become an element of danger. Car- 
bonic acid, when taken in the stomach, 
or absorbed through the skin, is usually 
an exceedingly valuable stimulant, but 
when respired by the lungs it is always 
injurious — causing difficulty of breath- 
ing, dizziness, cardiac oppression, and 
ultimately asphyxia. The heating of 
the bath favors its escape, as also do 
the movements of the submerged 
body ; and refreshing as it may seem 
to agitate the sparkling water, and 
watch the bright bubbles rising to the 
surface, it must be remembered that 
when they pass off into the atmos- 
phere, and are inhaled by the lungs, 
the injurious results will go far to 
counterbalance the beneficial stimula- 
tion of the cutaneous surface. It 



1 1 6 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

is, therefore, desirable that the bath 
should be well stirred up, or 
allowed to stand for a period before 
use, so as to permit a moderate loss of 
gas ; or, better still, that the bather 
should remain quiet during immersion, 
in order that the carbonic acid may be 
absorbed, and act freely upon the peri- 
pheral nerve filaments, without largely 
vitiating the respired air. Baths of 
carbonic acid gas are given at Rehme, 
Franzensbad, Marienbad, Kissengen, 
and other places. The body is in- 
closed in a reservoir filled with gas, the 
head only being excluded. Such baths 
could just as easily be administered at 
Saratoga, but are of no special value. 

In point of mineralization, the waters 
of Saratoga are very similar in constitu- 
ents, and usually quite equal in strength, 



THE SCIENCE OF BA THING. 1 17 

to many of the most celebrated natural 
sool baths of Europe.* They contain 
over one per cent, of chloride salts, 
which is double as much as many of 
high repute abroad, and amply sufficient 
for most general purposes. But if, as in 
certain cases of unusually torpid skin, 
scrofulous or rheumatic exudations, or 
similar conditions, a stronger solution 
is desired, there is no reason why the 
bath should not be artificially strength- 
ened at Saratoga, as is customary at 
Baden-Baden, Kreuznach, Rehme, El- 
men, Arnstadt, Wittekind, Pyrmon, 
Cannstadt, and other famous watering 
places abroad. This may be done, up 
to three or four per cent, with common 
salt, or the combination of salts natural 

♦Kreuznach, Aix-la-Chapelle, Spa, Baden-Baden, 
Wiesbaden, Soden, Kissengen, Hall, Homburg, etc. 



1 1 8 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

to the waters obtained by evaporation, 
or, what is known at European Spas as 
" Mother-lye" (Mutter laiige), that is, 
a highly concentrated solution of the 
chloride salts, from which much of the 
chloride of sodium has been removed 
for commercial purposes. 

Warm baths of the natural Saratoga 
waters are beneficial in a wide range of 
chronic diseases. Almost equally with 
cold baths they stimulate all the func- 
tions — increasing the appetite, improv- 
ing digestion, and facilitating the elim- 
ination of effete or morbid material 
through the lungs, skin, and kidneys. 
But, as has already been stated, it is 
impossible to do more than generalize 
in matters of technique, which may be 
indefinitely modified, and adapted to 
the powers and requirements of the 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 119 

individual constitution. The tempera- 
ture, strength, duration, and frequency 
of the baths, and the length of time it 
is wise to continue a course without in- 
terruption, are all points which must be 
determined separately for each particu- 
lar case ; and will largely depend, not 
only upon the nature of the disease, 
and constitutional condition of the sick 
person, but also upon the effects first 
produced, which should be carefully ob- 
served from day to day. 

From 90 to 98 F. is usually warm 
enough ; as on account of the stimulat- 
ing qualities of the gas and minerals, 
which are appreciated by the skin as 
a kind of textural unctuosity, these 
waters can be borne with comfort at 
a much lower temperature and for a 
longer time than ordinary water. 



i 20 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

The duration of the bath cannot in 
every instance be prescribed before- 
hand, but may range according to the 
circumstances, and the sensations of the 
bather, from ten minutes to half an hour 
or more. At Aix-les-Bains, Wildbad, 
Gastien, Rehme, and other European 
bath resorts, an hour is the usual time ; 
and using a mild water, such as the 
Red Spring, would not be too long. 
There is no limit to the duration of a 
bath of ordinary warm water, so long 
as the temperature is maintained ; but 
it should be remembered, that long con- 
tinued mineral baths might become in- 
jurious, not only by too powerful cuta- 
neous stimulation, but also through the 
amount of carbonic acid unavoidably 
inspired. It is well to commence a 
course of mineral bathing somewhat 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 12 i 

cautiously, until the effects have been 
noted, especially in cases where too 
stimulating an influence is not desired : 
say, a bath at 98 F., of ten or fifteen 
mjnutes, every alternate day, until 
three or four have been taken ; and sub- 
sequently, every day for some weeks, 
the temperature being gradually low- 
ered and the duration increased ; or, if 
circumstances permit, and continuous 
betterment is experienced, every second 
day throughout the entire season. As 
a rule, the sensations in the bath are ex- 
ceedingly pleasant, and independent of 
benefit to any special ailment, the skin 
becomes soft and white, and the general 
health is improved. To drink the 
waters and bathe upon alternate days is 
popular at some foreign resorts, and to 
frail constitutions is often a judicious 



12 2 H YDRO THE RAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

distribution of the influences of treat- 
ment. 

Occasionally, excessive bathing, espe- 
cially at very high temperatures, and 
when accompanied by immoderate 
internal use of the waters, gives rise to 
a condition of general constitutional 
disturbance, with considerable fever, 
cardiac irritability, and a pustular 
eruption on the skin. This is known 
as bad-strum at the German spas, and 
la poussde at the French ; and at some 
of the quack hydropathic establish- 
ments is termed " the crisis"— and pre- 
tended to be a necessary part of the 
cure. In reality, it is evidence of 
excessive and injudicious use of the 
waters, and consequent hyper-satura- 
tion, and is comparable to the "physio- 
logical," or semi-toxic, effects of drugs, 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 



when administered too largely or too 
long. It seldom does much harm, 
and when the waters are entirely sus- 
pended passes off in a few days. At 
Saratoga these unpleasant symptoms 
appear much less frequently, and with 
less violence, than is common at foreign 
resorts. As moderate exercise is 
beneficial after the cold bath, so a 
period of complete repose is generally 
desirable after the warm. 

The Douche. — Of the many special 
forms of bath those most worthy of 
consideration, irrespective of the na- 
ture of the water, are the douche, or 
movable jet bath, and the wet pack. 

The Douche may be of any tempera- 
ture, and is usually applied with con- 
siderable force — sometimes equal to 
that of water falling from 60 to 100 



1 24 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

feet. . By it, whether with hot or cold 
water, there is obtained, in addition to 
the ordinary effects of other baths, de- 
pendent mainly upon the nature and 
temperature of the water, a special 
mechanical quality in the impingement 
of the water against the skin, acting 
as a kind of hydro dynamic massage; 
and, thus stimulating in a favorable 
manner the peripheral nerves, blood 
vessels, and subjacent muscles. It is 
valuable in many conditions of con- 
stitutional debility, functional impo- 
tence, and chronic disease ; more 
particularly, in abnormal states of the 
nervous system. In these cases, how- 
ever, it is open to the objection that it 
can only be properly applied by a 
skilled attendant, and might prove 
dangerous in inexperienced hands. It 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 125 

may be used colder than other forms 
of bath, owing to the force with which 
the water strikes the skin, but should 
always be of short duration. In 
France, where it is preferred to any 
other method of balneotherapy, and 
is extensively prescribed by Charcot, 
Dujardin-Beaumetz, and other noted 
authorities, it is usually administered 
by a physician under their direction. 
At the establishment of Keller, the 
patient of either sex stands before the 
operator, receiving the column of water 
alternately, or as circumstances dictate, 
upon the spine, and anterior surface 
of the body — a procedure somewhat 
startling to the Anglo-American sense 
of propriety, and scarcely in accord 
with our notions of professional dignity. 
What is termed the Scotch, or mixed 



126 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

douche — consisting of very hot and 
very cold jets, repeatedly alternated — 
is an excellent remedy for stiff joints, 
strumous or rheumatic exudations, and 
other local maladies. 

The Wet Pack. — From a strictly 
therapeutic standpoint the wet pack is 
more widely applicable, and in some 
respects more valuable, than any other 
form of bath. Its administration needs 
no special skill, and with a little care is 
entirely free from danger. It can be 
taken in one's own apartment, and when 
mineralized water is used a quart 
bottle will suffice for a bath. 

The method of applying it is as fol- 
lows : A couple of stout blankets are 
spread upon the bed, then an ordinary 
linen sheet or tablecloth, which has been 
wrung out of water at a moderate tern- 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 127 

perature — say 6o Q F. — is smoothly- 
spread over them. The patient now 
lies in the center. The sheet is rapidly 
wrapped around him, one side being 
carried under the arms and well be- 
tween the legs, while the other is 
brought outside the arms, and tucked 
closely about the neck, thus enclosing 
the entire body, except the head and 
feet, and so, that everywhere the wet 
sheet is in contact with the skin. The 
blankets are then rolled snugly about 
the body, and if desired, more covering 
may be heaped on top. A hot water 
bag to the feet, which are best excluded 
from the wet sheet, and, if found pleas- 
ant, a cool compress around the head 
complete the equipment. The first 
sensation is of chill, but this, almost 
invariably, passes off in a very few 



128 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

seconds — otherwise the pack must be 
discontinued — then the sheet feels com- 
fortably warm, the skin perspires freely, 
and there is experienced a singularly 
tranquilizing, calmative effect — easily 
leading to sleep. 

Thus is obtained the benefit of a 
slight tonic reaction — so slight, as to 
make no appreciable demand upon the 
vitality — with superadded, a quieting, 
soothing effect, quite equal to that of 
the ordinary warm bath. 

The patient may remain in the pack 
from twenty minutes to two hours, or 
even longer, dependent upon the result 
desired, and the degree of comfort 
induced ; and if disposed to sleep, he 
may be allowed to do so without detri- 
ment. The procedure is terminated 
by a rapid sponge over with tepid or 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 129 

cold water, in order to counteract undue 
relaxation of the cutaneous structures ; 
or, if the patient is weary, a simple 
drying with a soft towel will suffice ; 
when he will soon fall into calm and 
refreshing sleep. 

The merits of the wet pack deserve 
a wider recognition in the medical pro- 
fession than accorded them, at present ; 
and it is much to be desired that the 
prejudice against such procedures — 
the popular hydrophobia which so 
hampers their employment in ordi- 
nary practice — should be thoroughly 
uprooted from the public mind. Thus, 
might be avoided many a dose of 
harmful medicine — thus, many a fevered 
skin cooled, many an irritable spirit 
calmed, and many a restless night 
spared. 



13° HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

From what has been said of its ef- 
fects, it would seem unnecessary to 
specify the host of various maladies 
in which the wet pack, or some of its 
modifications, are valuable. From the 
earlier stages of pneumonia, simple 
pyrexia, and the exanthemata, to 
chronic rheumatism, phthisis, pelvic 
inflammations, dysmenorrhea, and in- 
somnia, it is almost everywhere suit- 
able, can scarcely do harm, and is 
capable of immeasurable good. 

What is termed " the hot wet pack " 
is an entirely different form of treat- 
ment, with a much narrower applica- 
bility. In it is used, instead of a sheet 
wet with cold water, a blanket wrung 
out of very hot water ; otherwise, the 
procedure is the same, although the 
effect is comparable rather to a hot 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 13 1 

than a warm bath. It may be applied 
locally or to the entire body, in which 
latter case, it acts as a kind of universal 
stupe or poultice. 

The "dripping sheet," and "sheet 
bath" differ slightly in technique, and 
have each warm advocates among scien- 
tific hydriatists ; but neither has ap- 
peared attractive to the writer. 

Mud baths, except for. dirt-lovers, 
and sand baths, except for hydropho- 
bics, possess no merits not fully 
equaled by clean water. , 

Turkish and Russian Baths. — An 
adequate consideration of the vapor 
and hot air, or Russian and Turkish 
baths, would demand a chapter to itself ; 
but is clearly beyond the scope of this 
work. Suffice it to say, that both 
forms of bath are luxurious to the high- 



*3 2 HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOCA. 

est degree ; and to constitutions which 
they suit, and when properly carried 
out, are often beneficial and refreshing. 
In a general way they follow the prin- 
ciples governing other forms of bath ; 
and are curative in much the same 
range of chronic disease. In the Turk- 
ish or dry air bath, a temperature up 
to 240 F. is easily borne for some min- 
utes ; while, in the Russian or vapor 
bath, 120 F. is barely endurable. 

Although closely resembling each 
other in many respects, one fundamen- 
tal difference must be remembered, 
that, while the Turkish bath favors per- 
spiration more fully than any other 
hydriatic method, the Russian bath ac- 
tually impedes it. Both increase to a 
very marked degree the excretion of 
urea, an effect, which, according to 



THE SCIENCE OF BATHING. 1^3 

German observers, continues for days 
after the bath. 

Like other applications of extreme 
heat, they put considerable strain upon 
the vrtal functions, and are at times 
disturbing to nervous equilibrium. 
Cardiac action is not unfrequently even 
doubled in rapidity during the first ten 
or fifteen minutes, and the bodily tem- 
perature raised two or more degrees in 
the same time — conditions usually ex- 
pressive of some morbid process. 

Aside from their superlative cleanli- 
ness, the greatest merit of both forms 
of bath lies in the fact that the extreme 
heat prepares so perfectly for the deli- 
cious cold douching to follow ; and 
hence, the subsequent feeling of invig- 
oration. Nevertheless, they have but 
a limited applicability, either as a hy- 



134 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

gienic measure, or in the treatment of 
disease. They should not be indulged 
in by the old, or when there is any sus- 
picion of organic disease, or indeed, un- 
der any circumstances without compe- 
tent advice. 

There are three bathing establish- 
ments at Saratoga : The Saratoga 
Baths, just opened and luxuriously 
appointed ; The Red Spring, and the 
misnamed Magnetic. There is also a 
bath house at The White Sulphur 
Spring, south of Saratoga Lake. All 
are well conducted. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

THERAPEUTIC APPLICABILITY, AND 
DIETETICS. 

The omni-curative pretension, which 
so often characterizes the literature of 
mineral waters, is apt to suggest a 

doubt of their remedial potency, even 

• 

within the domain where their value 
has been demonstrated beyond ques- 
tion. And, unfortunately, this ten- 
dency to exaggeration is not confined 
to the advertising circulars, but some- 
times may be noticed in the writings 
of those from whom better things 
might be expected. 

To cite an example, not too near 
home, a Carlsbad physician — of homeo- 



136 HYDROTHERAPY AT SARATOGA. 

pathic persuasion — works his way 
through the nosological alphabet, 
enumerating as curable by that spa 
almost every conceivable malady : no 
less than eight distinct diseases of the 
spleen; "most of which," comments 
Dr. Madden, with delicious cynicism, 
" we are utterly ignorant of in this 
country, but have the satisfaction of 
learning that they may all be cured by 
sending the patient to Carlsbad." 

Strange as it may seem, such stupid 
hyperbole is not always intentionally 
dishonest, but often the result of the 
common error, which is responsible 
for much of the confusion and contra- 
diction pertaining to the subject ; and 
which, it has been one of the first ob- 
jects of this work to correct. Mineral 
waters are in no sense specifics, Judi- 



THERAPEUTIC APPLICABILITY. 137 

ciously selected, and carefully adminis- 
tered, they are, without exception, the 
safest and most efficient correctives of 
the morbid constitutional conditions 
common to most forms of chronic dis- 
ease ; and hence, may be justly 
credited with the widest range of indi- 
rect curative power ; but, even in condi- 
tions, such as the uric acid diathesis, in 
which their action is most chemically 
direct, it is based upon the same scien- 
tific principles which govern the use of 
other remedies ; and, should be guarded 
by the same discrimination and watch- 
fulness, that we are accustomed to exer- 
cise in other methods of practice. 

The dogmatic assertion that one 
spring will cure rheumatism, another 
gout, another kidney diseases, and 
another dyspepsia — without any regard 



I3 8 HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

to the type of the disease or the condi- 
tion of the patient — is as unjust to the 
water, as it is cruelly misleading to the 
sufferer; and too often results in disap- 
pointment to the one, and unmerited 
loss of reputation by the other. It 
even happens that the same water, 
which is most capable of combating a 
morbid predisposition, or actitally en- 
gaged in eradicating a dyscrasia, may, 
if unwisely pressed, absolutely aggra- 
vate the active manifestations. Thus, 
for instance, it has been noticed, and 
unfairly cited in disparagement of min- 
eral hydratics, that the alkaline waters 
most warmly commended for the relief 
of constitutional gout, will, in some 
cases, positively determine an acute at- 
tack. Such misfortunes, however, are 
readily intelligible to anyone who will 



THERAPEUTIC APPLICABILITY. 139 

take the trouble of understanding the 
rationale of mineral-water drinking, in 
conjunction with the pathology of this, 
or any other disease; and, are as easily 
avoided as the untoward consequences, 
following the misuse of any other 
remedy. 

No less easily understood is the appar- 
ently paradoxical experience, that dis- 
eases of quite different kind are cured 
or alleviated at the same spa, whereas 
cases of the same nature are cured or 
alleviated by very different spas ; 
merely showing, that any well di- 
rected course of mineral waters, inde- 
pendent of its immediate effects, has, 
by its influence upon metabolism, a 
health-restoring quality in almost every 
perverted condition of the system. 

When we remember, the variety and 



1 40 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

therapeutic powers of the Saratoga 
waters ; the absence of all guidance or 
restriction in their use ; the diverse con- 
ditions in which they are prescribed, 
often entirely at haphazard, without 
reference to the quality of their ingred- 
ients, the method of their action, or 
the fitness of any particular spring to 
the special need of the individual pa- 
tient ; and finally, with entire neglect of 
the general hygienic precautions which 
usually surround any other medicinal 
course — it is indeed remarkable how 
regularly they produce beneficial ef- 
fects, and how seldom we hear of an 
authenticated failure, after even the sem- 
blance of a fair trial. When disap- 
pointment does result, it is unhesitat- 
ingly attributed to the worthlessness, or 
uncertain action, of the waters, and not, 



DIETARY. 141 



as it usually should be, to the unwise 
selection of a spring, or, perhaps, the 
ill-advised administration of an entirely 
inappropriate remedy. 

Diet. — A properly regulated dietary 
is the most important auxiliary of an 
hydriatic course. Indeed, it is abso- 
lutely essential to a satisfactory result ; 
but here, too, it is necessary to clear 
the decks of absurd exaggeration, and 
traditional prejudice, as preliminary to 
a reasonable mastery of the situation. 

A large proportion of all disease is 
attributable directly or remotely to an 
habitually injudicious diet. This is 
especially true of gout, rheumatism, 
dyspepsia, hepatic and renal com- 
plaints, and a variety of other ailments 
most susceptible of relief at Saratoga, 
and most likely to seek treatment 



142 HYDRO l^HERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

there. It is the fundamental principle 
of rational medicine to remove, or miti- 
gate, the cause of disease before essay- 
ing its cure. In the ordinary routine 
of practice, we are accustomed to ad- 
vise such patients as to their habits of 
life, and specify for them an approxi- 
mate scale of diet — the adoption of 
which we regard as no less significant 
than the medicine prescribed for the 
disease. Dietetic reformation, to pre- 
cisely the same extent, neither more or 
less, is necessary during a hydro-min- 
eral course as during any other course 
of regular medication ; bearing in mind, 
of course, the special chemical charac- 
teristics of the water, and the conditions 
incidental to the bulk of fluid con- 
sumed. 

Persons suffering from complaints di- 



DIETARY. 143 

— «« 

rectly the result of over-eating, or 
other excess, who unfortunately lack 
the requisite self-control to abstain 
from continued intemperance, may, for 
this reason, derive more benefit at 
Carlsbad — where there is little tempta- 
tion to gastronomic over-indulgence — 
than at Saratoga, where every prandial 
delicacy is easily procurable. But let 
it be clearly understood that, in these 
doubly deplorable cases, any temporary 
betterment achieved abroad is in no 
way due to superiority of the Carlsbad 
waters over those of Saratoga, but en- 
tirely to the enforced restrictions at the 
Bohemian resort ; whereas at Saratoga 
one may gormandize and get drunk, or 
live as a rational being, whichever he 
pleases. 

The writer admits a lack of sym- 



144 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

♦ ■ 

pathy with the view sometimes ex- 
pressed by physicians, that the ordi- 
nary routine of life should be restricted 
at every turn for the protection of 
those, so wanting in moral sway, as to 
be unable to enjoy its good things, 
without pernicious excess. One so un- 
fortunately constituted that he cannot 
sit to a liberal table without gluttony, 
or meet his friends without intemper- 
ance, is sincerely to be pitied ; and 
needs precisely the same special guard- 
ianship against the temptations of 
fashionable Saratoga that he does 
against those of New York City, or 
any other civilized center ; and, it may 
be added, has just as little claim to 
have others inconvenienced because of 
his vices. But surely, the majority of 
invalids may be trusted to restrict 



DIETARY. 145 



themselves, in these respects, within 
the limits dictated by common sense, 
or prescribed by their physician ; and 
will select from the most elaborate 
menu the articles allowable in their 
condition, to the exclusion of those 
which everybody knows to be indigesti- 
ble. 

As a matter of fact, the restrictions 
of diet especially demanded by a 
course of Saratoga waters, independent 
of limitations indicated by the nature 
of the disease, are fully expressed in 
the single monition : Moderation in all 
things. It should be remembered, 
however, particularly during the first 
days after arrival, that the appropriate 
use of the waters, together with the 
fresh country air, the change of sur- 
roundings, and even the altered hours 



1 46 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

of meals, are liable to sharpen the 
appetite to an unwonted degree ; and 
hence there is a tendency to eat too 
much — especially of the delicious fresh 
vegetables so plentiful at this season. 

The absolute prohibition, during any 
hydro-mineral course, of certain other- 
wise unobjectionable articles of diet, 
such as butter, fats, vegetables, acid 
fruits and wines, on the ground of a 
special incompatibility with the water, 
still pertains to a great extent at Carls- 
bad and elsewhere — as a part of the 
mysterious dogmatism so impressive to 
the half-educated valetudinarian. It 
is, however, based upon physiological 
error, long since exploded ; and is un- 
worthy of consideration, beyond the 
reasonable discrimination which one 
seeking relief from disordered diges- 



DIETARY. 147 



tion, or its consequences, should exer- 
cise in the selection and combination 
of foods. It is asserted that a water 
containing alkaline salts prematurely 
saponifies butter and fats ; but as such 
a water should never be taken so 
closely before a meal as not to allow of 
its absorption into the blood, or neu- 
tralization by the acid juices of the 
stomach — or, soon after food, unless 
there is evidence of gastric hypera- 
cidity — it is impossible to suppose that 
any such a process can take place to an 
objectionable degree ; and, although, 
no well-chosen dietary admits of ex- 
cessively fat, or greasily cooked foods, 
and such are especially interdicted in 
hepatic and dyspeptic infirmities, yet a 
reasonable amount of fat aids in nutri- 
tion, and even promotes stomachic 



1 48 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

digestion ; and this, can be taken in no 
better, or more easily assimilated, form 
than as good butter. 

Acid fruits and wines are apt to dis- 
agree under all circumstances, notably 
with persons of weak digestion or 
rheumatic tendency ; but otherwise, 
it is incongruous with the most 
elementary knowledge of physiological 
chemistry, to declare that, taken in 
moderation, they could nullify the 
constitutional benefits of an alkaline 
course ; for, in their passage through 
the system, the alkaline bicarbonates 
must encounter much more powerful 
acids than these : nevertheless we 
know that they reappear as carbonates 
in the blood and secretions. 

Pretty much the same general con- 
siderations govern the admission, or 



DIETARY. 149 



complete interdiction of alcohol, in 
other forms. The oft-repeated cock- 
tail — everywhere injurious — does not 
become salubrious at Saratoga ; neither 
can it be honestly stated that it acquires 
a more rapidly fatal influence, because 
the tippler has commenced the day 
well, with a few glasses of sparkling 
mineral water. 

It would be clearly out of place here 
to enter upon a general discussion of 
the dietetic uses of wine or alcohol. 
It is well understood that excessive 
indulgence in either is a prolific cause 
of gout, rheumatism, dyspepsia, and 
other conditions most benefited by a 
course of mineral water ; and therefore, 
it should Tbe unnecessary to urge upon 
those seeking relief from these ail- 
ments, the advisability of a much re- 



150 HYDRO THERAP Y A T SARA TOGA. 

stricted indulgence, or total abstin- 
ence — at least durino- the continuance 
of treatment. It may be added, that 
in spite of the prevailing- conviviality, 
and absolute freedom from restraint of 
any kind, the general conditions of 
residence at Saratoga are extremely 
favorable for the self-reformation of 
the habitually immoderate drinker ; for, 
not only is there less craving for 
bracers, owino- to the invigorating in- 
rluence of the clear atmosphere, the 
bright surroundings, and the stimulat- 
ing effect of the waters ; but, it is always 
easier to give up pernicious customs 
when led away from familiar evil 
associations ; and it need not be said 
that amended habits, so acquired — zvith- 
out forfeiture of self-respect — are more 
likely to endure, than any resulting 



DIETARY. 151 



from ' temporary enforced restrictions, 
or Keeley quackery. 

One of the shrewdest of ancient phil- 
osophers declares that " a well-governed 
stomach is a great part of liberty."* 
Teach widely, then, in this land of lib- 
erty, ' the difference between what is 
right and what is wrong : impress upon 
human intelligence the immutability of 
cause and effect ; but, in essentially 
personal matters, let every free man be 
a law unto himself. Even, if desired, 
it would be scientifically impossible to 
formulate a dietary suitable for every- 
one using the waters. This, as the 
regulation of exercise, hours of rising 
and retiring, and other hygienic rou- 
tine, must be determined individually ; 

* " Magna pars libertatis est bene moratus venter." — 
Seneca Epist., 123. 



152 HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

not only with reference to the special 
ailment of the invalid, and his general 
physical condition, but as bearing upon 
his previous habits and mode of life. 



CHAPTER IX. 

A PRACTICAL DIVISION OF SARATOGA 
WATERS. 

In the number and excellence of the 
Saratoga springs we have indeed such 
an embarrassment of riches, that to in- 
dividualize their therapeutic merits is 
scarcely possible, beyond a reference to 
the tables comparing their mineral con- 
tents. A preference may be given, 
everything else being equal, to springs 
presenting a more recent, and conse- 
quently reliable analysis ; and to those 
having a deep and modern tubing, 
which assures a greater protection 

against surface contamination. 

153 



154 HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

It is merely for convenience, in 
discussing their remedial applicability, 
that those deemed of most impor- 
tance are roughly classified as fol- 
lows : 

I. Powerfully Saline : The Champion 
and Carlsbad ; in which the preponder- 
ance of salines practically overshadows 
the other ingredients, however abun- 
dant and helpful. Usual effects : ac- 
tively cathartic, diuretic, and deob- 
struent. 

2. Powerful Saline- Alkaline : Nota- 
bly the Geyser : a pleasant and valu- 
able water, containing a large propor- 
tion of the bicarbonates of sodium and 
lithium. Effects, same as previous, but 
in small quantities more distinctly anti- 
lithaemic and alterative. 

3. Medium Alkaline-Saline: The 



DIVISION OF SARATOGA WATERS. 155 

Congress and Hathorn : both of which 
have acquired a world-wide, and 
well-deserved reputation ; and both 
have been recently retubed in the 
latest approved manner. Effects : 
briskly aperient, when taken fasting 
in sufficient quantity ; also, diuretic, 
diaphoretic, alterative, anti-scorbutic, 
stimulant, and, under some circum- 
stances, sedative. The Excelsior may 
also be included in this class. 

4. Mild Alkaline-Saline : The Pat- 
terson, Peerless, and Royal. All re- 
cently discovered deep wells, perfectly 
tubed, exceedingly valuable and palat- 
able ; and, possessing in a milder, but 
amply serviceable degree, all the vir- 
tues credited to the stronger waters. 
The Patterson is a perfect mineral 
water. 



156 H YDRO THE RAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

5. Notably Alkaline : The Kiss en- 
gen, and Vichy. In both the bicar- 
bonate of sodium largely predominates ; 
but, with sufficient saline adjuvant to 
form a delicious and in every respect 
excellent alkaline water — fully ade- 
quate to meet all indications of the 
acid dyscrasiae, yet practically incapable 
of harm, with reasonable regard to the 
cautions already specified. Under or- 
dinary circumstances they are but 
slightly laxative. 

6. Chalybeate : The Columbian, 
Hamilton, Washington, and Pavilion. 
Their tonic and blood-making quali- 
ties have been fully stated in a previ- 
ous chapter, when discussing the im- 
portance of iron as an ingredient of 
mineral water. All require a re-analy- 
sis, and more modern tubing. 



DIVISION OF SARATOGA WATERS. 157 

7. Sulp hated : The White Sulphur 
Spring, situated about one mile to the 
northeast, near the Eureka Spring, is 
a good water, especially for bathing ; 
but has been entirely neglected of 
late years ; the other White Sulphur 
Spring, at the southern end of Sara- 
toga Lake, possesses the usual qualities 
of a mild sulphur water — aperient 
deobstruent. 

Besides these, should be mentioned 
the High Rock and the Red Spring, 
each with over a century's commenda- 
tion, and still retaining a deserved 
popularity ; the Star, which is widely 
known, especially through the Eastern 
States, and has contributed its quota to 
the universal fame of the Saratoga 
springs ; and also, the Favorite, Em- 
pire, Saratoga A, Seltzer, and Union, 



158 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARA TOGA. 

The Eureka, Imperial, and Crystal are 
no longer cared for ; and over a dozen 
others have been named, but never 
analyzed or developed. 



CHAPTER X. 

GENERAL PRECEPTS. 

It is clearly impossible to lay down 
general rules governing the various and 
complicated questions involved in an 
hydriatic course, which would apply to 
even a single class of cases, without 
innumerable exceptions. The partic- 
ular spring or springs to be patronized, 
the quantity of water to be consumed, 
the best time and method of taking it, 
the proper duration of treatment, and 
the wisdom of combining baths with 
the internal use of the waters — must all 
be determined for each individual pa- 
tient, in accordance with the rational 
principles already enunciated, and sub- 
159 



1 60 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

ject to modification conformable with 
the early results. 

It was the advice of the older Sara- 
toga physicians,* is customary at most 
European Spas, and, as a general pre- 
cept, can scarcely be improved : to visit 
the springs while still fasting in the 
morning, take two, three, or more 
glasses of water — as may prove neces- 
sary for catharsis — with a promenade 
of ten or fifteen minutes between each 
glass, and, after the last one, at least an 
hour's occasional gentle exercise before 
breakfast. Then, if further imbibation 
is considered desirable, the patient 
should return to the spring about one 
hour before the afternoon or evening 
meals, or both ; but at these times a 
smaller quantity is always sufficient. 

* Steele. North, and Allen. 



GENERAL PRECEPTS. 161 

Although, in the great majority of 
cases, and for reasons some of which 
will be referred to in a- subsequent 
chapter, it is preferable to drink the 
waters as flowing fresh and sparkling 
from the fountains, yet, for some deli- 
cate persons, it may be on the whole 
more advantageous — and for those who 
rise late, and habitually occupy much 
time over their toilets, more convenient 
— to have the first water brought to 
their rooms, and drink it leisurely while 
dressing. The early morning, and an 
empty stomach, are pre-eminently the 
favorable time and condition for min- 
eral water drinking ; more especially, 
for that intended to act perceptibly up- 
on the bowels and secretions. This is 
so, not only because the gastric and 
intestinal vessels are more ready to 



162 HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

absorb after the night's rest, and pro- 
longed deprivation of fluid ; but also 
because, under these circumstances es- 
pecially, a draught of cold water of any- 
character, will reflexly stimulate peris- 
taltic movements, and thus promote the 
emptying of the lower bowel. But 
even this rule is open to exception. 
Invalids of the same frail constitution, 
which wisely debarred from the more 
severe routine of early rising and ante- 
prandial exercise, will, occasionally, de- 
rive more benefit by postponing the 
use of the water until an hour or so 
after a cup of hot coffee, or perhaps a 
light breakfast. 

Under ordinary conditions the Sara- 
toga waters should be taken at their 
natural temperature : about 50 F. 
This rule, also, particularly applies to 



GENERAL PRECEPTS. 163 

the morning draught, and when cathar- 
sis is the principal purpose. Thus im- 
bibed, they promote purgation by three 
distinct, but co-operative methods. As 
just stated, the unaccustomed stimulus 
of cold to the stomach reflexly aug- 
ments peristaltic action ; and, moreover, 
it retards the stomachic absorption of 
the salts, which are consequently car- 
ried on into the intestines, there chem- 
ically augmenting secretion ; and fin- 
ally, by direct irritation, they still 
further increase peristaltic movement. 
On the other hand, when warmed to 
about the temperature of the blood, the 
water is more easily absorbed, and in 
some instances less apt to disagree 
with a very sensitive stomach. It may 
be heated to any desired degree, either 
by the direct addition of very hot 



164 HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

water, or by placing in hot water the 
uncorked bottle. This process in- 
volves the escape of some carbonic 
acid gas, but, as already noted in 
speaking of warm baths, the Saratoga 
waters are so rich in this commodity, 
that they can well afford a considerable 
loss, and still retain sufficient for all 
purposes ; and more than the most cele- 
brated thermal waters abroad. 

The quantity of mineral water neces- 
sary for the best results, can only be 
determined with reference to the con- 
stitutional peculiarities of the individual, 
the nature of the ailment, and the par- 
ticular spring used. There is a de- 
cided tendency to drink too much, 
among those who are very much in 
earnest in the search for health ; and 
also, among another class — by no 



GENERAL PRECEPTS. 165 

means insignificant — who are deter- 
mined to get full value for the expend- 
iture entailed in visiting the springs. It 
is difficult to convince these people that 
the measure of benefit, to be derived 
from the waters, is in no sense propor- 
tionate to the quantity consumed, but 
rather to the discretion and regu- 
larity with which it is used. From one, 
to four pints a day, is sufficient for al- 
most any indication. To deluge the 
stomach with inordinate quantities, of 
even the milder waters, can only result 
in disordered digestion, catarrh of the 
stomach and intestines, diarrhea, renal 
irritability, and other constitutional dis- 
turbances — which will more than nullify 
any otherwise happy effects. 

As set forth in an earlier chapter, 
purgation and diuresis — although ex- 



1 66 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

ceedingly gratifying to the ignorant in- 
valid, and in almost every case really 
serviceable — are by no means the most 
valuable remedial effects of the Sara- 
toga waters. At the same time, it is 
important, especially during the first 
days of any hydro-mineral course, that 
the bowels should act quite freely ; oth- 
erwise vascular excitation, headache, and 
other unpleasant symptoms may ensue. 
But if a reasonable use of the wa- 
ters should fail to induce a moderately 
laxative effect, it will be better to re-en- 
force their action by some mild phar- 
maceutical aperient, than to inordi- 
nately increase the quantity consumed. 
The appearance of diarrhea, or 
other evidence of intestinal irritation, 
usually indicates that the water is not 
sufficiently absorbed in the stomach, 



GENERAL PRECEPTS. 167 

and upper alimentary tract. This may 
sometimes be corrected, even without 
reducing the quantity of water, by heat- 
ing, or by dividing it into smaller doses. 
Constipation, on the other hand, points 
to too rapid absorption ; but, although 
not uncommon at other spas, seldom 
arises at Saratoga, owing to the happy 
combination of salines in both the cha- 
lybeate and alkaline waters. 

Mixing different waters is generally 
observed to disagree ; but there is no 
reason why one should be restricted to 
any particular spring, for even a single 
day ; and where there are so many to 
choose from of similar therapeutic qual- 
ities, yet slightly differing in taste, the 
palate of the patient should be consulted 
when possible. It is commonly a 
good plan to drink the Hathorn, Con- 



168 HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

gress, or Excelsior during the morning 
hours ; and later in the day, after the 
bowels have acted freely, to partake of 
one of the milder alkaline-saline, chaly- 
beate, or notable alkaline waters, as 
indicated by the nature of the dis- 
ease. 

It sometimes suits best to use 
the same water throughout an entire 
course ; and if well chosen in the 
beginning, there is seldom need to 
change. Indeed, it is not difficult to 
find among the habitues of Saratoga, 
those, who pretend to know all about 
it, yet swear by one spring, and will not 
hear of any other. 

But a single general question re- 
mains, and even that cannot be an- 
swered without reservations : How far 
is it wise to abandon a regular medical 



GENERAL PRECEPTS. 169 

treatment during a course of Sara- 
toga waters ? When, as is the rule in 
chronic complaints, the previous rem- 
edies have been themselves of the al- 
terative character — such as the iodides, 
bromides, or chlorides of mercury, so- 
dium, potassium, or arsenic — it is usually 
better to entirely suspend their use 
during the hydriatic course ; not so 
much, because of any incompatibility 
with the waters, as in order to test 
their marvelous powers unaided ; to 
avoid the common error of over-drug- 
ging, or confusion in observing effects ; 
and to reserve our faithful friends of 
the pharmacopoeia for emergencies, in 
which* it might be impossible to satis- 
factorily administer the waters. On 
the other hand, when the symptoms 
are urgent, there is no reason why these 



1 70 HYDRO THERA PY AT SARA TOGA . 

drugs, or others of a different nature — 
such as colchicum, salicin, digitalis, 
quinine, aconite, opium, belladonna, or 
pepsine — should not be combined with 
a moderate use of the waters. 

There can be no dogmatic limit to the 
judicious use of waters, the main ingre- 
dients of which have been shown to be 
necessary components of the normal 
body — so long as they agree with the 
person using them. Nevertheless, the 
summer months are decidedly the best 
time for any regular course of mineral 
waters ; for, independent of the special 
advantages of visiting the springs, and 
drinking the waters fresh at their 
source, and the co-operative healthful 
accompaniments of such a trip — which 
might often claim considerable share of 
credit for good results obtained — 



GENERAL PRECEPTS. 171 

the warm weather especially favors 
augmented transudation of the skin 
and membranes — an important element 
in the hydriatic influence. 



CHAPTER XL 

NOSOLOGY. 

The method heretofore pursued has 
been to explain the special qualities of 
mineral waters, together with the physi- 
ological principles governing their ther- 
apeutic action. If the object intended 
has, so far, been successfully attained, 
the essential outlines of the subject — 
the general applicability of hydriatic 
treatment, as well as, the conditions 
which contra-indicate its use — are al- 
ready understood by the intelligent 
reader ; and it is scarcely necessary to 
particularize, in detail, the modifications 
of procedure suitable for each form of 
disease ; or to emphasize a system 



174 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

scientifically correct, by tedious narra- 
tion of individual cases. 

It only remains, therefore, to con- 
sider briefly the more important morbid 
states, with special reference to this 
mode of treatment. 

Scrofula and Tuberculosis. — Scrof- 
ula is a scourge which afflicts all classes 
of society. Yet, in practice we scarcely 
speak the word, for it savors of re- 
proach, although often without reason. 
The true physician, however, is equally 
thoughtful to spare mental pain, as to 
relieve bodily suffering. Fortunately, 
in the whole category of disease, there is 
not one in which happy results may be 
more confidently expected, from a 
judicious use of mineral waters. 

The scrofulous diathesis is a morbid 
constitutional state, commonly inner- 



SCROFULA. 175 



ited, but invariably associated with tor- 
pidity of the lymphatic system, and 
perversion" of nutritive activity. It 
usually declares itself in early life, and 
strange to say, almost equally in per- 
sons of totally different appearance and 
temperament. Its baneful influence may 
predominate, alike, in those of slender 
physique, fine transparent skin, blue 
eyes, blond complexion, and tapering 
hands ; as in an opposite and less at- 
tractive class, distinguishable by short, 
ungainly stature, dark coarse skin, 
stubby features, and clubbed fingers. 
It's pathological manifestations are no 
less inclusive — ranging from mucous ca- 
tarrhs, with a tendency to the develop- 
ment of pulmonary phthisis, to degen- 
eration of lymphatic glands, indolent 
swellings, exudations in cellular tissue, 



176 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

cold abscess, skin diseases, necrosis of 
bone, and disorganization of joints. 
One and all are primarily an expression 
of impairment of the complex associa- 
tion of functions, already frequently re- 
ferred to as metabolism. Defective per- 
formance of this composite process, and 
consequent mal-nutrition of the tissues, 
invariably distinguishes the scrofulous 
dyscrasia ; and, therefore, whatever the 
special form it may have assumed, it 
would be irrational to essay the cure of 
local expressions, without also striking 
deep at the root of the evil — the per- 
verted constitutional habit. 

To those who have studied the pre- 
vious pages, it will be easily apparent, 
on theoretical grounds, how perfect a 
remedy is offered for this lamentable 
condition by a sojourn at Saratoga, 



SCROFULA. 177 



and a systematic course of mineral 
hydrotherapy. It has been demon- 
strated that both drinking and bath- 
ing in the saline water promote and 
improve metabolism, which is here at 
fault — the baths dealing, mainly, with 
the changes of non-azotized, and im- 
bibation with those of azotized sub- 
stances. Hence by a judicious com- 
bination of both methods, we may pro- 
mote a healthy tissue-change in every 
direction — precisely what is needed to 
combat the scrofulous tendency. 

But, more convincing than theory is 
the universal experience that these 
patients, even when by no means skill- 
fully handled, almost always improve, 
and frequently attain a positive cure at 
Saratoga ; and, allowing the fullest 
credit to change of air, diet, and other 



1 7 8 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARATOGA. 

contributory hygienic influences — which 
it will be noticed do not, unaided, pro- 
duce such cures elsewhere — there can 
be no doubt that the mineral water is 
the main factor in attaining a salutary 
result. 

There is still another consideration : 
During the summer months the ordin- 
ary therapeutic treatment of scrofula 
is usually, and for good reasons, either 
entirely suspended or materially modi- 
fied. The cod-liver oil, so valuable in 
winter, is especially apt to disagree 
during warm weather; and experience 
suggests the wisdom of reserving the 
other trusted aids of pharmacy until the 
return of the more trying season. It 
is during this interval that the water 
treatment will be found especially valu- 
able. The interruption, or diminution, 



SCROFULA. 179 



of accustomed medication gives nature 
an opportunity to profit by its past al- 
terative influence, while skillful hydro- 
therapy arouses her to the utilization of 
her own inherent forces. 

The determination of hydriatic 
routine, for scrofulous patients, must 
depend upon the special phase and de- 
velopment of the malady, and the age, 
constitutional peculiarities, and vital 
possibilities of the individual. 

For internal administration, the 
Saratoga waters are in every respect 
unequaled. The abundance of gas, 
the salines in almost any proportion 
desired, the iron in easily assimilated 
form, and the iodine and bromine in 
minute, but usually serviceable quan- 
tities — each separately answers some 
specific indication ; and together, they 



1 80 HYDRO THERA PY AT SARA TOGA . 

offer a compound remedy without any 
exception the most perfect in the 
world. The choice of springs, and the 
quantity of water to be prescribed, must 
be guided by the general principles 
inculcated in former chapters. As a 
rule, it is not well to purge these 
patients, particularly when, as is com- 
mon in the lympathic temperament, 
emaciation and anaemia are prominent 
features. The Hathorn, Congress, 
and Excelsior are usually suitable for 
the morning potation ; the Patterson, 
High Rock, or Peerless, at almost any 
time during the day ; and the Colum- 
bian in small doses, and regularly 
taken, soon after meals. These waters 
are particularly valuable in the treat- 
ment of scrofulous children, and are, as 
a rule, easily digested. For this period 



SCROFULA. i8i 



of life it is sometimes well to shake the 
water, or let it stand ten or fifteen 
minutes, so as to promote a moderate 
escape of carbonic acid gas. In some 
forms of gastric disturbance, however, 
it will be found exceedingly valuable. 

Mineral baths, of some sort, are 
strongly indicated in all forms of scrof- 
ula. Cold sea bathing has, from early 
times, been deemed a specific, and 
would be almost universally applicable, 
but for the danger of exposure to cold 
air, and the temptation to over-prolong 
the indulgence. The stronger Sara- 
toga waters have a similar mineraliza- 
tion to sea water, but with the valuable 
addition of gaseous saturation— the 
stimulating influence of which upon 
the skin is exceedingly serviceable in 
these cases. And further, the con- 



1 82 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

venient, and luxuriously appointed 
bath-houses render possible the scien- 
tific administration of this treatment, 
even to quite young children ; and, 
under conditions — such as ocular, auric- 
ular, or cutaneous disorders of stru- 
mous origin, or intercurrent cardiac or 
nervous symptoms — which would abso- 
lutely preclude ocean bathing. 

The form, temperature, and dura- 
tion of the baths, and the frequency 
with which they should be adminis- 
tered, will depend upon circumstances 
already considered, and may possibly 
be modified, more than once, during the 
course of treatment, in accordance with 
the effects produced. The shower, 
spray, or rapid sponge bath — com- 
mencing at a temperature of about 
75 F., and reducing 5 each day until 



SCROFULA. 183 



55 F. has been reached — will usually 
give the best results to begin with. 
As a rule, it is wise to go slow, in the 
blond, slender type of patient espe- 
cially, and it is prudent to reserve the 
more severe, and consequently more 
efficacious, balneological procedures, 
until it has been noted how the milder 
ones are borne ; and some estimate has 
been formed of the reactive capacity. 

On the other hand, it should be re- 
membered that the rationale of cold 
bathing is to stimulate, and produce a 
vigorous reaction, and, therefore, the 
sooner, consistently with discretion, 
that a moderately cold water is reached, 
the quicker and more gratifying will be 
the result. It is remarkable, too, how 
well, even extremely low temperatures, 
are tolerated by scrofulous patients, 



184 HYDROTHERAPY AT SARATOGA. 

provided that the bath is properly con- 
ducted, and suitable friction rapidly ap- 
plied. For these reasons, unless contra- 
indicated by some special circumstance, 
cold baths are distinctly preferable to 
warm. It is a good programme, for the 
fairly robust scrofulous patient, suffer- 
ing from indolent swellings of glands or 
joints, to take a cold shower, or full 
bath in the morning ; and, once or twice 
subsequently during the. day, have the 
mixed, or Scottish douche applied to 
the affected part ; which treatment 
should usually be combined with a ju- 
dicious internal use of the waters. 

Scrofulous patients require a liberal, 
but carefully selected, diet. 

Phthisis. — Pulmonary consumption 
is closely related to scrofula. Although, 
by no means all scrofulous persons de- 



PHTHISIS. 185 



velop phthisis, and but a limited pro- 
portion of phthisical persons were pri- 
marily of the scrofulous diathesis, it is, 
nevertheless, in that unfortunate con- 
stitutional state that the tubercular 
germ finds most fertile soil. 

From the purely hygienic standpoint, 
the consumptive can select no more 
ideal spot, in which to spend the sum- 
mer, than Saratoga. But, in consider- 
ing the propriety of mineral water 
treatment, we must confine ourselves 
distinctly to prophylaxis against tuber- 
cular invasion ; and resistance to the 
initial onslaught of pulmonary phthisis, 
occurring in persons of scrofulous ante- 
cedents, and characterized by the slow 
asthenic progress, indicative of the 
strumous temperament. 

The tubercular bacillus is a mean 



1 86 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

and treacherous enemy — mainly to be 
dreaded when constitutional vitality 
has been depressed by inherited pre- 
disposition, or some extraneous cause. 
The whole world of scientific medicine 
is engaged to-day in the search for some 
direct weapon with which to smite this 
accursed microscopic foe ; and happy 
will be the day when it is found, and 
blessed be the man who finds it. Mean- 
time, we can only hope that, by stimu- 
lating the vis medicatrix naturce, the 
recuperative power inherent to every 
healthy organism, we may starve by 
plenty, and thus annihilate, the wretched 
microbe which prospers on the want of 
its victim. The bacillus thrives in an 
ill-nourished tissue ; and pulmonary 
consumption, more than any other dis- 
ease of localized pathology, kills by 



PHTHISIS. 187 



undermining the powers of life. Hence 
the ordinary systems of treatment, most 
approved, are directed rather to the 
constitutional debility, than to the lesion 
of the lung itself. We cannot directly 
cure consumption ; but, by perfect hy- 
giene and judicious treatment, we may 
so enhance the vitality of the patient, 
as to arrest the progress of the earlier 
stage ; and sometimes even repair pul- 
monary mischief already accomplished. 
From these considerations, may be 
reasonably inferred the possible utility 
of mineral waters. It has been ex- 
plained that the hydriatic treatment is, 
of all things, a stimulant to vital func- 
tions ; but, it should be borne in mind, 
that its successful application pre-sup- 
poses a certain latent strength, which 
may be thus stirred into activity. In 



188 HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

the initial stage of tuberculosis, when 
such a stimulus is urgently called for, 
the skillful administration of the waters, 
both internally and externally, may be 
capable of untold benefit. But when 
the disease has progressed ; when 
extensive breaking-down of lung tissue 
has already occurred ; and the torpid 
constitutional habit is replaced by 
nervous irritability, vascular excitement, 
recurring pyrexia, and a tendency to 
hemorrhage ; and, when there exists no 
longer, a reserve vitality to be drawn 
upon, then such treatment could do 
no possible good, and would only 
hasten an inevitably disastrous result. 
Under such circumstances, the highly 
gaseous waters are especially unsuit- 
able. 

But even, after the stage has been 



PHTHISIS. 189 



reached when it would scarcely be 
deemed wise to prescribe the internal 
administration of mineral waters, unex- 
pectedly happy results may still be 
achieved from a careful use of baths. 
A mineralized wet pack, followed, per- 
haps, by a cool rain bath or rapid 
sponge over, and taken each evening 
about the time when the rise of tem- 
perature usually occurs, is especially to 
be commended. Such a bath, or one 
at about 92 F., continued for fifteen or 
twenty minutes, in the ordinary bath- 
tub, will be found exceedingly calma- 
tive to the excited nerve centers ; and, 
a further good influence may be 
ascribed to its promoting vicarious 
perspiration — thus compensating for 
impaired expiration by the lungs. A 
mineralized and ga^ous water is 



1 90 H YDRO THERAP V AT SARA TOGA. 

usually preferable in the torpid tem- 
perament, in which cutaneous stimula- 
tion is mostly to be desired ; whereas, 
ordinary water is quite as effective, or 
even more so, for sedative purposes 
in highly nervous patients. It should 
also be remembered, that any considera- 
ble quantity of carbonic gas given off 
from the bath, and respired by the 
patient, would be especially injurious 
to the tuberculous lung. 

Both in this country, and in England, 
a prejudice has always existed against 
the use of baths in consumption. 

To the Germans we owe the knowl- 
edge that not only as prophylaxis, but 
even after the disease is already de- 
veloped, and is capable of recog- 
nition by physical examination of 
the lungs, hydi^therapy " plays an ex- 



PHTHISIS. 191 

traordinarily important rdle."* Any 
form of bath, and almost any tem- 
perature, seems to be admissible, 
and, in German hands, exempt from 
danger. Dr. Rohden, of Lippspring, 
says : " The opinion that a warm bath, 
or any bath at all, may produce hemop- 
tysis, I must, after thousands of experi- 
ments, declare to be thoroughly un- 
founded. On the contrary, many cases 
of obstinate spitting of blood have 
been checked by suitable lukewarm or 
warm baths, even when they had defied 
all other remedies." Unfortunately, 
this happy experience is by no means 
universal. The writer himself, is aware 
of at least one case, in which the first 
hot bath, at a European spa, resulted 
in a copious and rapidly fatal hemor- 

* Von Ziemssen. 



I9 2 HYDROTHERAPY A T SARA TOGA. 

rhage ; and has no doubt that many 
such have occurred. 

To recapitulate, a clear distinction 
must be recognized between cases show- 
ing a strong predisposition to phthisis, 
but, in which no structural alteration of 
the lung is yet discoverable; and those 
in which there already exists tubercu- 
lar deposit, cavity, or tendency to 
hemoptysis. In the former class, care- 
ful internal use of the waters, and well 
regulated cold baths, are capable of im- 
measurable benefit ; whereas, in the 
latter, imbibation is practically forbid- 
den, and either extremes of tempera- 
ture in the bath would be immediately 
dangerous ; and, although frequent 
bathing is still desirable, to calm the 
excited nerve centers, control pyrexia, 
and maintain cutaneous activity, it; 



PHTHISIS. 193 



should be restricted to the tepid full 
bath, or wet pack. Winternitz, a high 
authority, favors a local wet pack, or 
cold compress applied to the chest 
alone. 

Although applying rather to the 
winter resorts than to Saratoga — which 
is, in all respects, a desirable summer 
residence during any stage of pulmon- 
ary phthisis — the writer cannot leave 
this subject without recording a word of 
protest against the scandalous expedient 
of inducing a dying consumptive to 
leave the luxuries of a comfortable 
home, by the deceptive promise of ben- 
efit elsewhere. A physician's duty 
does not end with the possibility of re- 
covery. However painful to his own 
feelings, and humiliating to his science, 
he is still bound to promote the com- 



1 94 H YDRO THERAP Y A T SA RA TOGA . 

fort of his patient's last days — and then 
euthanasia. 

Gout and Rheumatism. — Aside from 
hereditary predisposition, these mala- 
dies start with a common pathogenesis: 
primarily, defective digestion and faulty 
assimilation, with consequent disorder 
of the nutrient process ; and, subse- 
quently, an excess of acid material in 
the blood. Hence, their earliest thera- 
peutic indication rs also in common — to 
provide alkaline carbonates in order to 
neutralize abnormal acidity ; but, from 
this point their courses so diverge, ther- 
apeutically, as well as pathologically, 
that it has even been proposed to con- 
firm a posteriori, a distinctive diagno- 
sis of the more prominent influence in 
the hybrid condition termed rheumatic- 
gout, by testing separately the remedial 



GOUT. 195 

power of their individual specifics — col- 
chicum and salicin. The more chronic 
forms of gout and rheumatism, however, 
again resemble each other in many re- 
spects, notably in the benefit they de- 
rive from the use of the alkaline-saline 
waters ; but the details of procedure 
differ in so many important particulars 
as to require a separate, although brief 
consideration. 

Gout. — As the outcome of heredity, 
or injudicious diet, or both, an excess 
of uric acid appears in the blood ; 
which, according to the best, but still 
obscure researches of biological chem- 
istry, is, under certain conditions, lia- 
ble to crystalize in the tissues ; and 
thus give rise to severe inflammation, 
pyrexia, swelling of joints, and intense 
pain — the simplest expressions of acute 



1 9 6 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

gout. The treatment consists of local 
sedation, warmth, colchicum, and anti- 
phlogistics. Mineral waters, to the ex- 
tent of effective medication, have at 
this stage no definite utility ; and if 
unwisely administered, would probably 
aggravate the symptoms, by their gen- 
erally stimulating influence. 

In the intervals between those 
attacks, on the other hand, when it is 
intended to improve the constitutional 
condition, and correct the abnormal 
state of the blood which is liable at 
any moment to renew acute mischief, 
we have, in the alkaline-saline waters, 
a remedy of direct and invaluable 
potency. 

The successful accomplishment of 
the requisite chemical changes in the 
blood, and the safe disposal of the re- 



GOUT. 197 



suiting products, are, however, by no 
means simple matters. When alkalies 
are brought into contact with uric 
acid, alkaline urates — of soda, lime, or 
lithia, as the case may be — are the 
result ; and these, if perfectly dissolved, 
and sufficiently diluted, and not in ex- 
cess of the eliminative capacity of the 
excretory organs, are thrown off with- 
out trouble ; and the desired end is 
thus safely attained. When, however, 
a large quantity of alkaline salts are in- 
troduced into a system hypercharged 
with uric acid, and full provision for 
the solution and removal of the result- 
ing urates is not at the same time 
assured, or when, by too rapid solution 
of deposits of uric acid — previously in- 
active in the tissues — an unwonted 
quantity is set free in the circulation, 



1 98 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 



an acute attack of gout is not unlikely 
to be the consequence. 

This is the explanation * of those 
unfortunate crises, which occasionally 
occur during an apparently well 
directed course of alkaline waters; and 
which are responsible for the impres- 
sion, not uncommon among podagric 
wise-acres that, " it is better to leave 
the gout severely alone." So it is, 
until one has learned to handle the 
remedy ! But such attacks may be 
avoided, and yet, the constitutional con- 
dition corrected, by proceeding care- 
fully with the earlier treatment, with- 
out unduly hastening the chemical 
changes ; and further, by selecting 
waters, such as exist at Saratoga, 

* Pfeiffer, Die Gicht und Hire erfolgreicke Behand- 
lung ; Fiirst, Deutsche med. Zeitung, 1891. 



GOUT. 199 



which, by a suitable combination of 
alkalies and salines, not only accom- 
plish the first indication of neutralizing 
excessive uric acid, but, in the same 
degree, provide for the dilution and 
elimination of the resulting urate com- 
pounds. 

The bicarbonates — especially that 
of soda — as ordinarily administered, 
are particularly liable to deter- 
mine these adventitious seizures. 
When long continued, they tend to 
disturb digestion, thus promoting an 
increased formation of the mor- 
bid material they were intended 
to eradicate ; and, moreover, their 
use necessitates, in many cases, 
the constant employment of purga- 
tives. 

It has also been demonstrated ex- 



200 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

perimentally * that, although under the 
influence of bicarbonate of soda, as 
usually prescribed, the uric acid in the 
urine diminishes at first, until it has 
almost entirely disappeared, yet, it soon 
returns again in spite of the continued 
administration of the medicine. On 
the other hand, not only does a much 
smaller quantity of the bicarbonate 
produce the same result, when con- 
tained, in combination, in a natural 
mineral water ; but the effect continues 
as long as the water is taken, and often 
outlasts the treatment by a considera- 
ble period. 

An insuperable obstacle to summar- 
izing a treatment of gout, lies in the 

* Munch, Archiv fur heilkunde; Braun, op. cit.; 
Frickhinger, Uber die harnsaure losende Eigen- 
sckaft des Fachinger Wassers ; Fiirst, op. cit. 



GOUT. 20 i 



frequency and variety of associated ail- 
ments : some causative, others conse- 
quential. Dyspepsia, enlargement of 
the liver, spleen or pancreas, inactivity 
of the kidneys, torpidity of the intes- 
tines, general organic stasis, or the condi- 
tion described as abdominal plethora — 
are all, prominent contributing factors 
in the induction of gout. Fortunately, 
the same waters indicated for uncom- 
plicated, or " regular gout," are usually 
of a nature to be directly serviceable to 
each of these contributory conditions. 
Their presence and prominence will, 
however, materially influence the selec- 
tion of a spring — favoring, as a rule, an 
increased proportion of saline ingre- 
dients. On the other hand, there are 
a number of minor ailments, such as 
skin diseases, catarrhs, and the like, 



202 HYDRO THERAP V AT SARA TOGA. 

which are directly the products of con- 
stitutional gout ; and, bearing upon 
them the stamp of the dyscrasia, are 
thus, independent of special character- 
istics, brought within the scope of min- 
eral hydriatics. 

It must not be understood that bene- 
ficial results attending a well directed 
course of the Saratoga, or similar 
waters, in the gouty diathesis, is to be 
exclusively attributed to the nature of 
the ingredients, and consequent chem- 
ical reaction taking place within the 
body. On the contrary, at least as 
much credit should be accorded to their 
influence in promoting metabolism, es- 
pecially the oxidation of the carbo- 
hydrates, and formation of urea ; and 
to the hydro-static lixiviation of the tis- 
sues and juices ; and to the augmented 



GOUT. 203 



activity of the excretive *organs, and 
consequent solution and washing out of 
effete matters in general — including, no 
doubt, the materies morbi of gout. 

The prognosis in these cases, should 
usually be guarded. The confirmed 
gouty constitution is under all circum- 
stances unsatisfactory to manage. Re- 
covery is necessarily a slow process; and 
in many of the old established cases it 
can scarcely be hoped to do more than 
improve the general constitution, ward 
off acute attacks, limit the deposit of 
urates, and, perhaps, after considerable 
perseverance, diminish exudations, or 
partially dissolve articular deposits. 
Charcot * questions the latter possi- 
bility of hydro-mineral treatment, but 
it may be noted that this distinguished 

* Sur les maladies des Vieillards. 



204 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

authority ha^ had no experience with 
Saratoga waters. 

In gout, more even than in other 
diseases, the details of hydriatic treat- 
ment must be modified in accordance 
with the requirements of the individual 
case. Generally speaking, the pro- 
longed internal use of the waters is 
of more value than bathing ; although 
moderately warm (95 to 105 F.) full 
baths, and wet packs,- mitigate consti- 
tutional irritability, improve the condi- 
tion of the skin, and in recent cases 
may even promote absorption. Local 
packing is usually soothing, but in the 
suppressed form may determine a more 
acute inflammation. Showers, sprays, 
and douches are contra-indicated ; ex- 
cept as prophylaxis in robust persons 
of hereditary predisposition, but in 



GOUT. 205 



whom the disease is as yet undefined. 
Not uncommonly heart lesions, or other 
organic defects, will be found to exist 
in the more serious forms of gout, which 
of themselves would absolutely preclude 
the cold water treatment. 

The choice of springs should be 
guided by the nature of the local mani- 
festations, and the preponderance of 
constitutional plethora or anaemia. For 
the uncomplicated dyscrasia, notably 
alkaline waters, with comparatively 
slight saline admixture — such as the 
Kissengen and Vichy — may answer 
well. With abdominal torpidity, a 
greater proportion of chloride of so- 
dium is indicated, and then the Pat- 
terson, Hathorn, Congress, or Excelsior 
may be recommended ; or, if plethoric 
engorgement is still more conspicuous, 



206 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

the powerfully saline Carlsbad, Cham- 
pion, or Geyser. In atonic cases, with 
well marked debility, often resulting 
from repeated attacks, or too prolonged 
depressing treatment, the saline-chaly- 
beates may prove most beneficial. 

In this disease all waters are better 
taken warm, the slight loss of gas en- 
tailed thereby, being, if anything, an 
advantage. 

The bowels should, be kept freely 
open; and for this, or any other purpose, 
we must not hesitate, when necessary, to 
combine pharmaceutical remedies with 
hydriatic procedures. 

Rheumatism. — In this disease hydro- 
mineral treatment is accorded uni- 
versal commendation. Indeed, it is 
astonishing that there are so few 
disappointments, when it is remem- 



RHE UMA TISM. 207 

bered how recklessly are put forward 
the rival claims of mineral springs 
all the world over ; how many, and 
how varied are the morbid expres- 
sions included under the almost generic 
term, rheumatism ; and how innumer- 
able are the sufferers, who, without 
direction of any kind, or the least 
knowledge of their chemical quality or 
method of action, partake of mineral 
waters — often totally unsuited for their 
particular cases. 

But rheumatism is as erratic in its 
manifestations and retrocessions, as it 
is obscure in its causation and path- 
ology ; and hence, it being impossible 
to establish its treatment upon a strictly 
rational basis, we are in a large meas- 
ure forced to accept the guidance of 
experience. 



2o8 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARA TOGA . 

For convenience, it has been here as- 
sociated with gout, but although resem- 
bling each other in so many particulars, 
it would be difficult to maintain a scien- 
tific connection between gout and 
rheumatism ; and even the primary 
postulate of an acid dyscrasia, might be 
doubted in some unquestionably rheu- 
matic affections, were it not for the 
regularity with which good results fol- 
low the appropriate use of alkaline 
remedies. As may be imagined, a full 
discussion of the hydro-therapeutics of 
rheumatism might fill a volume ; and 
yet there remains but little to be said 
of really practical importance, which is 
not indirectly embodied in the abstract 
principles already enunciated. 

As in gout, the applicability of 
hydriatic methods is directly proportion- 



RHE UMA TISM. 209 

ate to the chronic character of the 
symptoms ; and would usually be nega- 
tived in the acute disorder. Possible 
exceptions to this rule, are the 
administration of cold baths during 
the extreme temperatures of rheu- 
matic fever ; and, the limited use of 
the milder alkaline waters — from which 
most of the gas has been permitted to 
escape — as a febrifuge, in the same 
condition. 

The sub-acute varieties of muscular 
and articular rheumatism are exceed- 
ingly liable to engraft themselves upon 
the other cachetic states, such as the 
malarial, scrofulous, or lithsemic ; and, 
are not uncommonly associated with 
specific or catarrhal taints. These cir- 
cumstances distinctly favor the hydro- 
mineral treatment ; but, occasionally 



2IO HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

suggest the combined administration 
of the pharmacopceial iodides, or simi- 
lar medicaments — which are in no sense 
incompatible with it. Neither is 
there reason, why in suitable cases, elec- 
tricity should entirely resign its impor- 
tant function. Mineral waters, however, 
possess no electrical or magnetic prop- 
erties ; and, therefore, it is to be re- 
gretted that baths well conducted, and 
otherwise to be highly, recommended, 
should, in this respect, sail under false 
colors. 

For internal use, the waters of Sara- 
toga are unequaled in the treatment of 
rheumatism. The choice of springs is 
governed by the same principles ap- 
plied to gout, and other diseases. In 
uncomplicated cases, the prominence 
of the alkaline bicarbonates, especially 



RHEUMATISM. 



those of lithia and soda, is the primary 
consideration. The relative import- 
ance of the salines and iron will de- 
pend upon constitutional characteris- 
tics already explained in other connec- 
tions ; while for corpulent persons, 
otherwise healthy, an active course of 
the stronger purgative waters may pro- 
duce excellent results. 

In about the same proportion as the 
internal use of mineral waters is of 
most importance in the treatment of 
gout, so is the external application for 
the cure of rheumatism. This seems 
largely due to their effect upon the 
skin. There is a peculiar torpidity of 
that organ, described as atony of 
the skin* which seems to be both 
causitive, and adjunctive, of sub-acute 

* Braun — Herman Weber. 



212 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SA RA TOGA . 

rheumarthritis ; and which is most 
favorably influenced by all forms of 
stimulant bathing. 

With few exceptions, the treatment 
of rheumatism may be advantageously 
conducted upon more vigorous lines 
than would be admissible, under simi- 
lar circumstances, in the management 
of gout. In the absence of cardiac, or 
other organic sequelae of the acute 
stages — the presence of which can 
usually be ascertained without diffi- 
culty — there is no reason why energetic 
balneological procedures should not 
be early invoked with immediate ad- 
vantage. 

The choice between heat and cold 
is subject to the considerations fully 
discussed in the chapter upon baths. 
Cold water treatment, when admissible, 



■RHE UMA TISM. 2 1 3 

is in every respect to be preferred ; for 
by it, we not only cure the rheumatism ; 
but likewise restore vigorous health, 
and not unfrequently metamorphose 
a limping valetudinarian into an 
example of robust physical well- 
being. 

On the other hand, distinctly hot 
(105 F.) mineral baths — continued from 
twenty minutes to half an hour, and 
repeated once a day, or oftener, whether 
followed by a cool shower or not — have 
given most gratifying results, under cir- 
cumstances precluding the application 
of cold. It is a general belief, that 
upon their high temperature and long 
duration, rather than upon the miner- 
alization of the water, depends the 
world-wide reputation for curing rheu- 
matism, enjoyed by many of the " in- 



214 HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

different " thermal baths, at European 
spas.* 

Almost any modification of balneo- 
logical procedure may be indicated in 
the treatment of this disease. Douches, 
or the douche-massage, at any tem- 
perature, are especially applicable when 
the larger articulations, such as knees, 
hips, or shoulders are prominently af- 
fected ; and for long standing peri-ar- 
ticular exudations — the prognosis of 
which, it may be said, is decidedly more 
hopeful than in similar conditions of 
gouty origin. In recent sub-acute rheu- 
matism of the muscles or joints, wet 
packs are particularly valuable ; and 
the early use of the hot air, or vapor 
bath, has successfully aborted an 
attack. 

* Teplitz, Wiesbaden, Wildbad, and others. 



DYSPEPSIA. 21 



Of the vicarious local affections 
known as lumbago, torticollis, and 
sciatica — intercostal, cervico-brachial, 
mammillary \ and lumbo-abdominal neu- 
ralgias, it may be premised, that 
just in the proportion as their causa- 
tion is rheumatic or otherwise cachec- 
tic, and not neurotic, will they derive 
benefit from mineral baths, local 
doudies, and the internal use of the 
Saratoga waters. 

It should be remembered that, in 
the cure or palliation of any form of 
rheumatism, a restricted diet, and well- 
regulated hygiene, constitute essen- 
tial factors. 

Diseases of the Digestive Organs. 
— Hydro-mineral treatment, of some 
variety, is so constantly applicable to 
ailments of this class, that to consider 



2 1 6 H YDRO THERA PY AT SARATOGA. 

them separately, would involve a con- 
tinued repetition. 

Saratoga is famous for the cure of 
dyspeptics. Its waters contain ele- 
ments suitable for almost every type of 
gastric derangement ; and yet, to pre- 
scribe them with a reasonable certainty 
of success, necessitates the same accu- 
racy of diagnosis, as would be indis- 
pensable in using the remedies of the 
pharmacopoeia. 

For the atonic conditions marked by 
peristaltic inertia, and deficient gastric 
secretion, which, in ordinary practice, 
would suggest the exhibition of nux 
vomica, capsicum, armoracia, acids, or 
pepsine, the waters rich in chloride of 
sodium and carbonic acid are especially 
indicated ; and should, as a rule, be 
taken before meals, and cold — so as to 



DYSPEPSIA. 217 



retard stomachic absorption, and em- 
phasise the locally stimulating effect. 
When, on the other hand, the symp- 
toms are those of sub-acute gastritis, 
evidenced by hypersecretion, hypera- 
cidity, local tenderness, sense of full- 
ness, and flatulent irructations, the 
milder alkaline waters, in which soda, 
magnesia, and lime predominate, will 
give the best results. In these cases 
they may be taken during, or soon af- 
ter meals, and are usually most effect- 
ive when used warm, in small quanti- 
ties and frequently. Magnesia is espe- 
cially valuable as a stomachic antacid, 
and lime, when there is tendency to 
flatulence or diarrhea — lithia and soda 
in almost all circumstances. 

In many ordinary forms of gastric in- 
digestion, evincing generally defective 



2 1 8 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

function, and often partaking of the 
distinctive characteristics of both the 
aforenamed classes, the combination of 
chlorides and bicarbonates, found in the 
milder alkaline-saline waters, may prove 
singularly effective. When catarrhal 
hyper-secretion is coincident with gas- 
tric dilatation, the waters may be used 
advantageously to wash out the stomach 
with the syphon tube ; after which 
operation, at least twenty minutes 
should elapse before food. 

Hydro-mineral treatment may be re- 
garded as prophylactic against gastric 
ulcer, which, no doubt, often results 
from long-continued hyper-acidity ; but 
when the existence of ulcer has been 
positively recognized, it is wise to inter- 
dict the stronger saline and gaseous 
waters, as being too irritating to the 



DYSPEPSIA. 219 



diseased surface, and possibly tending 
toward haematemesis. The mild alka- 
line waters, however, heated and par- 
tially deprived of gas, may still be 
beneficial. 

It should be remembered that, be- 
sides their immediate chemical action 
upon hyper-acid secretion, and the 
hydro-dynamic cleansing of unhealthy 
gastric membranes, these bicarbonate- 
saline waters render a further service 
by increasing the anti-catarrhal influ- 
ence of alkalies in the circulation, and 
improving the general health. In pro- 
moting the latter intent, with special 
reference to the betterment of diges- 
tion, the favorable influence of cold 
baths, showers, douches, and all forms 
of mineral bathing is indubitable. 

Liver. — " Is life worth living? "in- 



2 2 o H YDRO THKRA PY AT SARA TOGA . 

quires the title of Mallock's interesting 
book. " It all depends upon the liver," 
is the well-known response of the 
witty sybarite. Then Saratoga, be- 
yond a doubt, contributes to a more 
unqualified affirmative, for who can 
question its facilitating influence upon 
" the current affairs " of both the liver, 
and the one who lives. 

Crudely expressed, mineral waters 
absorbed by the stomach pass rapidly 
into the portal circulation; and a con- 
siderable proportion thus permeates 
the liver — physiologically stimulating, 
and semi-mechanically flushing out, that 
important digestive and excretive or- 
gan. Hence, their effect is cholagogue, 
anti-catarrhal of the much-accused 
hepatic duct, both chemically correc- 
tive and hydro-dynamically expulsive 



LIVER. 221 

of gall stones — and, moreover, the best 
remedy for the constitutional habit 
which predisposes .to their formation. 

It would be impossible even to outline, 
within the scope of this work, a moiety 
of the hepatic derangements to which 
hydro-mineral treatment is applicable 
in some degree ; suffice it to say, that, 
except in some rare structural degenera- 
tions, or, the still more infrequent con- 
ditions of pressure upon the portal 
circulation by aneurismal, cancerous, 
hydatid, or other tumors — in which 
cases, it might be desired to limit the 
quantity of fluid ingested — the intelli- 
gent use of the Saratoga waters is in- 
variably helpful. 

In cirrhosis, and its accompaniments, 
these waters are exceptionally useful ; 
also, in general torpidity or biliousness ; 



2 22 H YDRO THERA FY AT SARA TOGA . 

in the chronic hyperaemia following 
residence in tropical climates, or asso- 
ciated with the malarial, gouty, or spe- 
cific cachexias ; and, in all forms of re- 
sultant jaundice — more especially, in 
that attributable to obstructive catarrh 
of the biliary duct, without prominent 
symptoms of inflammation. Their happy 
influence is manifest, not only in aug- 
menting functional activity, and in- 
creasing the excretion and fluidity of 
the bile ; thus, relieving the nerve cen- 
ters, and the kidneys — often sorely 
tested — from the toxical presence of 
bile in the blood ; but also, by remov- 
ing cutaneous pigmentation, correcting 
icteric itch, and improving the general 
health. 

Ascites demands a passing word, 
more especially, as the dropsies of car- 



LIVER. 223 



diac and renal origin come less dis- 
tinctly within the hydriatic sphere. 
Except in^cases of malignant origin, 
these waters are an exceptionally use- 
ful adjunct to other curative measures ; 
tending to amend the causative condi- 
tion, and to promote absorption — by 
stimulating the kidneys, skin, and intes- 
tines. 

The alkaline waters are always ser- 
viceable — the proportion of saline ad- 
mixture, or the advisability of iron, be- 
ing determined, as in other diseases, 
by the relative prominence of plethora 
or anaemia. As a general rule in liver 
derangements, the milder waters are 
most suitable, and are best taken warm ; 
but cold, and highly gaseous, water will 
sometimes control the obstinate vomit- 
ing common in these cases. Warm 



224 // YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

mineral baths are invariably useful ; 
and the application of local douching 
is extensively practiced abroad. Ex- 
tremes of temperature should never be 
used. 

Metallic Poisoning. — In co n n ect i on 
with diseases of the. liver, may be men- 
tioned chronic metallic poisoning by 
mercury, arsenic, lead, or copper. 
However absorbed into the system, 
these metals show a distinct affinity for 
the liver ; and, are deposited in its sub- 
stance in greater proportion than in 
any other tissue. The alkaline-saline 
waters, freely imbibed, possess an un- 
equaled power in promoting their 
elimination ; and the chalybeates in 
subsequently restoring constitutional 
tone. 

Pancreas. — So rarely are organic 



PANCREAS. 225 



changes of this important digestive 
gland, or the presence of concretions 
in its substance, diagnosticated during 
life, in contra-distinction from the usu- 
ally co-existing diseases of the liver, 
and other adjacent organs, that the 
writer can find no record of the results 
of treatment ; and admits, without diffi- 
dence, an entire lack of personal ex- 
perience. If, however, such a case 
were to present itself, he would not 
hesitate to treat it, cautiously, upon the 
well recognized principles applicable to 
the more familiar conditions of the 
liver. 

Constipation. — This distressing con- 
dition is dependent upon the unassimil- 
able character of food ; defects of the 
digestive secretions which should chem- 
ically alter its quality, and facilitate its 



226 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

absorption, or passage through the ali- 
mentary canal ; and muscular atony, or 
lack of peristaltic power in the stomach 
or intestines. In ordinary practice, it is 
deemed important to distinguish the 
relative prominence of these causative 
factors, before undertaking treatment ; 
and, no form of empiricism is more 
worthy of condemnation than the " shot 
gun " prescription, or its prototype, the 
advertised cathartic pill, containing a 
little of everything : of which it is hoped 
that some one ingredient may hit the 
right spot, and so afford relief — prob- 
ably of short duration — while it is pretty 
certain, that the remaining items will 
only disturb previously normal function, 
and so aggravate the original difficulty. 
The Saratoga and similar waters are, 
however, an exception to this condem- 



ABDOMINAL STASIS. 227 

nation of an universally applicable pur- 
gative compound; for although, they un- 
questionably stimulate peristalsis, pro- 
mote the secretion of the digestive fer- 
ments, and hydro-dynamically assist the 
evacuant function of the intestines ; and 
hence, might be regarded as a typical 
volley at almost every form of consti- 
pation, they produce all of these effects 
without unduly localized irritation ; and 
experience proves that their judicious 
use is entirely free from subsequent ill 
effect. Nevertheless, the fact should 
be emphasized that no mineral waters — 
not even the bitter waters of Pulna, 
Friedrichshall, Hunyadi, or the Rubi- 
nats — alone, and unaided by the pro- 
ducts of pharmacy, are suitable remedies 
with which to force efficient catharsis in 
the obstinately costive state, much less, 



228 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

in ill-defined intestinal obstructions ; 
nor, can the continued use of any saline 
aperient be regarded as a proper treat- 
ment for chronic constipation. In most 
persons, any of the markedly gaseous 
and saline waters will, when taken cold, 
during the morning hours, and followed 
by moderate exercise, induce easy and 
satisfactory alvine movements — in pro- 
moting which purpose, the carbonic acid 
gas is an important item. To this 
primary effect, may no doubt be at- 
tributed much of their generally salu- 
brious influence, which in turn, contrib- 
utes to the permanent cure of con- 
stipation, as of similar ailments often 
largely dependent on perverted consti- 
tutional habit. 

Abdominal Stasis. — No class of in- 
valids derive more benefit from a well 



ABDOMINAL STASIS. 229 

directed hydriatic course than those 
suffering from that, somewhat vaguely 
expressed, condition of congestive debil- 
ity, known as abdominal plethora, or the 
hemorrhoidal habit. This state is char- 
acterized by general torpidity of the di- 
gestive apparatus, sluggishness of the 
abdominal circulation, and venous stasis 
of pelvic organs. It is usually, although 
not necessarily, associated with con- 
stipation and corpulence ; and, not un- 
frequently with fatty heart, or functional 
cardiac insufficiency. It is sometimes 
dependent upon the cachexias — espe- 
cially the malarial, with accompanying 
enlargement of the liver and spleen — 
and commonly evinces itself by rectal 
and prostatic engorgement, and the ap- 
pearance of piles. In women it is a 
frequent cause of subacute ovaritis 



230 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

and uterine disorders. It produces, 
in many instances, extreme nervous 
depression, and may be regarded as 
the physical condition, of which hypo- 
chondriasis is the mental expression. 
Such cases usually demand as vigorous 
treatment, as co-existing organic de- 
rangements, will permit. The alkaline- 
saline waters internally — or, if marked 
constitutional anaemia, without symp- 
toms of cerebral congestion, the saline- 
chalybeates ; together with, some form 
of energetic bathing. The douche- 
massage, and ascending douche, are 
especially useful. 

Obesity. — The photographer has dis- 
tanced the physician in reducing lovely 
woman to the graceful contour which 
her fancy prescribes, while her indolent 
habits, and vigorous appetite, just as 



OBESITY. 231 



energetically deny. In men, over-eat- 
ing, alcoholic indulgence, and want of 
exercise are the usual causes of obesity ; 
but some persons of abstemious habits 
are abnormally disposed to fat ; and, 
jto both sexes, about the middle period 
of life, there not uncommonly comes an 
unwonted tendency in this direction. 
No medical treatment directly influ- 
ences the accumulation of fat, without 
serious, and often permanent, impair- 
ment of general health. The only ra- 
tional methods of controlling its de- 
posit are the adoption of a modified and 
restricted dietary — excluding, as far as 
possible, sugar, the carbo-hydrates, and 
other notably fat-forming foods; together 
with systematically increased exercise, 
and, such other measures as favor the 
physiological conversion of fats, and 



232 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

promote eliminative metabolism. The 
internal use of the alkaline-saline 
waters furthers these ends — not only by 
augmenting tissue-change, but also, by 
stimulating the emunctories, and so facil- 
itating the removal of used-up material. 
But to obtain marked results, they must 
be taken freely, although, never pressed 
to the extent of inducing painful cathar- 
sis or diarrhea. 

Baths, however, and those of the dis- 
tinctly energetic character, which, as 
explained in the chapter on balneology, 
promote metabolism, are decidedly the 
most reliable means, yet known to 
science, of reducing superfluous adipos- 
ity. But, if success would be attained, 
the rationale of their action must be 
thoroughly understood. Free perspir- 
ation in the Turkish bath will cause an 



OBESITY. 233 



immediate reduction of weight, and so 
may delude one, struggling against cor- 
pulence, into the gratifying belief that 
he has already been made thinner ; but 
unfortunately this loss is almost entirely 
of water, which is soon replaced in the or- 
dinary course of even moderate alimen- 
tation, whereas, scarcely any real effect 
has been produced upon fatty tissue, by 
the easily graded, although often in- 
tense, temperatures commonly applied 
in these baths. On the other hand, 
either extremes of heat or cold, or 
more efficatious still, the sudden alter- 
nation of markedly contrasting temper- 
atures — especially from heat, as in the 
vapor bath, to cold, by the plunge or 
douche — have been proven to exercise a 
pronounced influence, in promoting the 
physiological combustion and removal 



234 HYDRO THE RAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

of fat. The ordinary cold bath — and 
mineral water, when easily obtainable, 
is to be preferred, for reasons already 
stated — tends in this direction ; but, as 
it is the thermic shock, rather than any 
special quality of the water, which pro- 
duces this special effect, the method of 
obtaining it to the fullest degree, is to 
emphasize the impression of cold, by 
the preparatory application of heat. It 
need not be added, that bathing of this 
character might, under some circum- 
stances, be hazardous, and should only 
be undertaken by those who are organ- 
ically sound, and under careful direc- 
tion. 

Catarrh. — Wherever in the human 
body there exists a mucous surface, 
local irritation, or perverted constitu- 
tional habit are apt to occasion the ob- 



RENAL DISEASES. 235 

stinate subacute inflammation, with con- 
sequent morbid secretion, known as 
catarrh. This unhealthy influence may 
affect the nasal, faucial, pharangeal, 
bronchial, pulmonary, gastric, hepatic, 
cystic, intestinal, rectal, vesical, ure- 
thral, uterine, or vaginal mucous mem- 
branes ; but, wherever it appears, or 
whatever type it assumes, there is al- 
ways one point in common : all ca- 
tarrhs are benefited by alkaline rem- 
edies ; and, never more constantly, than 
when administered as alkaline, or al- 
kaline-saline mineral waters. 

Not only is their influence, by increas- 
ing the alkalinity of the blood and secre- 
tions, essentially anti-catarrhal, and, is 
hydro-mineral treatment generally, al- 
most specific in the constitutional dys- 
crasiae) so often associated with, and 



236 HYDROTHERAPY AT SARATOGA. 



causative of, the catarrhal state ; but, 
even when applied locally, these waters 
possess merits difficult to equal from 
the products of pharmacopoeia. For 
the post-nasal space and throat, as a 
wash or spray ; for the stomach, rec- 
tum, and vagina, as a douche or irriga- 
tion ; for the cystic duct and bladder 
as a pack ; and for the catarrhal ten- 
dency generally, in almost any phase of 
balneological technique, the Saratoga 
waters offer a potent remedy — both 
curative and prophylactic. 

Renal Diseases. — Diuresis is such a 
constant effect of the Saratoga waters, 
that, all who drink them must notice 
how considerably and invariably is aug- 
mented the excretion of urine ; and so, 
can scarcely doubt their influence, for 
good or evil, in abnormal conditions 



RENAL DISEASES. 237 

of the kidneys. The general washing 
out of the system, which constitutes 
the most prominent primary result of 
unaccustomed imbibation, is mainly 
completed through increased renal ac- 
tivity. In some proportion to the 
quantity consumed, an unusual amount 
of water is absorbed into the circula- 
tion, a general lixiviation of the tissues 
ensues, and the kidneys are required, 
more than all other excretory organs 
together, to carry off, not only the 
superabundant fluid so acquired, but 
with it, a largely increased proportion 
of the ordinary ingredients of normal 
urine. 

From such an obvious influence, in- 
dependent of clinical experience, may 
be readily inferred the therapeutic ap- 
plicability of these and similar waters; 



2$% HYDRO THERAP Y AT SA RA TOGA. 

So long as the exquisitely delicate ana- 
tomical bodies which compose the work- 
ing substance of the kidney, are struc- 
turally intact, they evince a readiness — 
which might well shock a modern 
trade's union — for whatever extra work 
unusual circumstances may necessitate. 
However remiss the liver, skin, and 
other co-scavengers of the human or- 
ganism, these indefatigable little work- 
ers are ever prepared to perform extra 
duty; and hence, are our most reliable 
auxiliaries in correcting morbid condi- 
tions of constitutional torpidity. Min- 
eral waters stimulate renal function ; and, 
as in the other excretory processes, by 
increasing fluidity, facilitate its per- 
formance. They dilute irritant urine, 
dissolve and expel concretions formed 
in the substance or pelves of the kid- 



DIABETES. 239 



neys, or bladder, or retained in the 
ureters ; and so, are especially indicated 
in the treatment of gravel or calculus, 
and in catarrhs of bladder and urethral 
membranes. In these conditions the 
milder alkaline waters are absolutely 
unequaled. 

When, on the other hand, as in all 
forms of B right's disease, organic degen- 
eration is already in progress, and 
these once perfect physiological struc- 
tures — formerly ready to undertake all 
manner of supplementary excretion — 
are no longer equal to the normal per- 
formance of their legitimate function, 
it would be manifestly ill-advised to 
force upon them extra work, which 
might possibly be transferred elsewhere. 
Hence, although the other influences 
of these waters should still be consid- 



240 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

ered, which, by coincidently stimu- 
lating the liver and skin, may even 
relieve renal inadequacy, hydro-mineral 
treatment is applicable only, in the 
mildest forms, and under skillful super- 
vision. 

Diabetes. — This frequent and formid- 
able disease is still homeless in noso- 
logical classification. Whether, it is 
primarily of cerebral, cerebro-spinal, 
hepatic, or pancreatic origin ; or, should 
be regarded as a general neurosis ; or, 
precisely how important, from an etio- 
logical standpoint, should be estimated 
the hereditary, mental, gouty and other 
extraneous influences with which it is 
commonly associated — are points which 
have not yet been scientifically deter- 
mined. Certain it is, that least of all 
does it belong to distinctly renal dis- 



DIABETES. 241 



eases, among which it is usually placed 
by the non-medical public. It may be 
frankly confessed that knowing so little 
of its causation, and|Scarce more of its 
subsequent organic chemistry, we are 
guided in treatment almost entirely by 
observation and experience. It is not 
therefore, as in diseases previously con- 
sidered, so much by rational deduction, 
as upon the faith of a practically unan- 
imous authority, backed in some meas- 
ure by personal observation, that a 
carefully regulated hydro-mineral treat- 
ment is here recommended. 

Persons suffering from the more 
chronic forms of diabetes, are unques- 
tionably among the most regular fre- 
quenters of the principle foreign spas — 
and without regard as to the distinc- 
tive characteristics of the particular 



242 HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. ' 

waters — yet, no class of invalids lay 
claim to more constant benefit. Sara- 
toga has an equally happy, if less ex- 
tensive, record in similar cases. 

When uncomplicated by hepatic, 
gouty, malarial, or markedly anaemic 
tendencies, which, as in other diseases, 
must be carefully considered, the milder 
alkaline-saline, and notably alkaline 
waters, are the best ; and may be taken, 
with apparently equal advantage, either 
warmed or at the natural temperature. 
Warm baths of all kinds are unques- 
tionably serviceable in diabetes. Those 
of Saratoga water, have the additional 
advantage of a more directly stimulat- 
ing influence upon the skin — an im- 
measurable service in this disease. The 
cold-water system is seldom admissible. 

The essential importance of a special 



HEART DISEASES. 243 

diet needs no comment in this connec- 
tion. 

Diseases of the Vascular System. — 
In serious organic diseases of the heart 
— particularly those of the valves, and in 
atheromatous or calcareous degenera- 
tion of the blood vessels, the more ener- 
getic methods of hydriatic treatment are 
positively interdicted, for general use. 
A special caution is necessary in cases 
of aneurism. When directed, however, 
by those conversant with the manage- 
ment of cardiac diseases, and familiar 
with the effects of mineral waters, their 
favorable influence upon general nutri- 
tion may still be exercised without 
danger ; and even with marked benefit, 
in conditions of organic insufficiency. 
Only baths of medium temperatures are 
admissible in these cases. 



244 HYDROTHERAPY A T SARA TOGA. 

In the functional cardiac neuroses, 
which not uncommonly result from the 
abuse of tea or tobacco, or indulgences 
involving nervous hyper-excitement, al- 
though the stronger springs are to be 
avoided, the mild alkaline-saline waters 
are serviceable ; and excellent results 
may be obtained from baths — both 
soothing and exhilarating. 

Diseases of Bone. — The rachitis 
of early life, the decalcification of 
later years known as osteo-malacia, 
and simple caries or necrosis occurring 
at any period of life, are all so nearly 
connected with the dyscrasiae — the ma- 
larial or specific taint — that, the pretty 
constant benefit derived from hydro- 
mineral treatment is probably attribut- 
able to improvement of general health, 
rather than to the presence of lime, or 



SJCIN DISEASES* 245 

any other special ingredient of the 
water. 

Skin Diseases figure prominently in 
the category of maladies curable by 
almost every mineral spring. These 
affections, in most instances, are but an 
expression of some morbid constitu- 
tional condition ; and so, will be in- 
directly benefited by any treatment 
tending to promote nutrition. And 
so manifest is the influence of these 
waters upon the function of the healthy 
skin, that it is impossible to doubt their 
alterative potency in the abnormal con- 
ditions of that important organ. It is 
difficult, however, to believe that the im- 
mediate application of a fluid, so essen- 
tially stimulating as saline mineral water, 
can be advantageous to a surface al- 
ready characterized by hyper-irritability. 



246 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

Some cutaneous affections of the mark- 
edly atonic type are no doubt cured, 
as in ordinary practice, by the local use 
of remedies primarily irritant. Water 
itself is essentially beneficial in the wide- 
est range of skin diseases, and so, it 
might be unwise to expose a fallacy, 
which has brought the unwashed to 
water — and so verily effected the cure ; 
but, one accustomed to the treatment of 
the chronic exanthemata, and eczema- 
tous conditions generally, may well 
suspect that these happy results, from 
immersion in saline water, have been at- 
tained not because, but in spite, of the 
ingredients. The alkaline waters, and 
those containing in marked proportion 
the salts of lime, are most soothing to 
cutaneous surface. 

Diseases of Women are usually as- 



DISEASES OF WOMEN, 247 

sociated w^th, and often caused by, the 
co-existence of pelvic congestion, with 
constitutional ancemia. This is equally 
true of the many functional disturb- 
ances of menstruation, as of chronic 
ovaritis, salpingitis, abnormal growths, 
displacements, lacerations, hyperplasia, 
and leucorrhcea ; and, is the essential 
point upon which hinge most success- 
ful systems of treatment. It also hap- 
pens, not unfrequently, that these ail- 
ments — notably those of the obsti- 
nately catarrhal type — are closely con- 
nected with the cachexias, especially 
the gouty ; and, it is by no means an un- 
common experience for chronic endom- 
etritis or leucorrhcea, which had re- 
sisted every other treatment, to yield be- 
fore a well directed anti-lithsemic course. 
Hence, from every standpoint, some use 



248 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

of the Saratoga waters is indicated in 
these cases ; and if not directly cura- 
tive, they will be found a powerful aux- 
iliary to other measures. For marked 
venous congestion of the pelvic organs, 
the alkaline-saline waters may be used 
internally ; together with a carefully 
selected system of bathing, of which 
local irrigation may form an important 
part. For more distinctly anaemic pa- 
tients — the saline-chalybeate waters, or 
such combination as circumstances sug- 
gest ; and when admissible, the cold- 
water system. I n chlorosis, or pernicious 
anaemia* of which amenorrhcea is a 
pretty constant symptom, the hydro- 
mineral treatment offers more hope 
than all other remedies. 

Nervous Diseases. — In combating 
these merciless and enigmatical ail- 



NER VO US DISEA SES. 249 

ments, which are everywhere a growing 
scourge to civilized humanity, and no- 
where more keenly felt than in this 
community, we have a powerful, but, as 
yet, scarcely recognized ally in scientific 
balneology. That the external use of 
water ranks with electricity, in the treat- 
ment of these diseases, is a general 
opinion among those who have studied 
the subject most carefully.* But in 
these diseases, more than any other, it is 
important that the technique of bathing 
should be skillfully prescribed ; and 
sometimes, it is essential that the pa- 
tient should submit to a regular, and 
somewhat complicated course, under 
competent direction. In the infinitely 
varied conditions of functional charac- 
ter, often resulting from overwork or 

* Charcot, Dujardin-Beaumetz, Dana, and others. 



250 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA . 

prolonged anxiety, in which, without 
tangible pathological change, the nerv- 
ous system demands invigoration, ex- 
traordinary benefit is derived from all 
forms of cold bathing. In some in- 
stances the alternate application of hot 
and cold water, by the rain bath or 
douche, gives even better results. On 
the other hand, for the more irritable 
types of neurasthenia, we have, in the 
prolonged tepid bath and wet pack, an 
unequaled means of soothing nervous 
excitement ; and often inducing quiet 
and refreshing sleep, which could not 
otherwise be obtained. By these 
means are benefited the innumerable 
vaso-motor derangements, and func- 
tional impotences, for the treatment 
of which, we have relied heretofore 
upon the administration of nervine 



CONVALESCENCE. 251 

stimulants, electricity, and massage. 
Wherever these remedies were indi- 
cated, hydrotherapy can accomplish 
the same end, with the added merit 
•of more direct improvement of general 
health ; and a constant compatibility 
with other methods of treatment. For 
most of these cases the saline mineral 
waters possess exceptional utility. The 
internal use of the waters may be sug- 
gested by the circumstances. 

Retarded Convalescence. — During 
progressive recovery from serious illness 
there sometimes occurs a period, when 
in spite of the best directed efforts, and 
without any expressly assignable cause, 
exhausted nature declines to make 
further progress toward accustomed 
health. It has been observed follow- 
ing the infectious exanthemata, typhoid 



252 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

fever, pneumonia, diphtheria, severe 
abdominal inflammations, serious sur- 
gical operations, and hemorrhage oc- 
curring at child-birth, or from other 
causes. The recent influenza epidem- 
ics, afforded not a few examples of 
persons apparently recovered, but still, 
dating from the attack, a debility before 
unknown ; which unfortunately, culmi- 
nated, in many instances, in fatal pneu- 
monia or pulmonary . phthisis. The 
anaemia so established is of a markedly 
irritative character ; seemingly depend- 
ent upon exhaustion or perversion of 
nerve energy, rather than absolute pov- 
erty of blood, or inherently defective 
vascularity. It manifests a deter- 
mined resistance to all forms of 
ordinary treatment. For this condition 
a visit to Saratoga, and well directed 



CONVALESCENCE. 253 

hydro-mineral course, gives promise of 
the best result ; and in a few weeks, 
may recall more of the familiar self, 
than months of the most skillful treat- 
ment at home. Mineral springs are 
everywhere celebrated for the cure of 
old wounds. 



CHAPTER XII. 

BOTTLED AND RE-CHARGED MINERAL 
WATERS. 

It is always best, when possible, to 
visit the springs and drink of, and 
bathe in, the waters fresh from the 
fountain head ; for, not only does the 
invalid thus reap the benefits of gen- 
eral change, healthful country air, 
easier compliance with sanitary pre- 
cepts, and other auxiliary circumstances ; 
but it should be remembered, that nat- 
ural mineral waters are difficult to 
preserve, and exceedingly liable to de- 
teriorate in transit, or under the ordi- 
nary conditions of careless storage. 

At some of the most valuable springs 

255 



256 HYDROTHERAPY AT SARATOGA. 

the method of bottling is still lament- 
ably defective. The water, instead of 
being tapped low down in the tubing, 
is allowed to flow from the surface, and 
only reaches the bottles after much of 
the gas has already escaped ; the corks 
are often imperfect ; even the glass is 
sometimes of a quality to chemically 
contaminate the water ;* and worst of 
all, it not uncommonly reaches the con- 
sumer after having stood for months 
in some drug store, regardless of tem- 
perature, the position of bottles, or 
other precaution for its preservation. 
As a consequence, much of the natur- 
ally abundant carbonic acid gas is lost ; 
the alkaline carbonates, held by it in 
solution, as bicarbonates, are largely 
precipitated ; the iron rapidly oxidizes, 

*Breneman, 



BOTTLED MINERAL WATERS. 257 

and falls as the familiar brown sediment 
of hydrous peroxide ; and, the water 
itself becomes turbid and dirty looking 
— its bright, sparkling character and de- 
licious tingling taste being replaced by 
qualities flat, insipid, and disgusting. 
In consequence is pronounced many an 
unjust verdict upon the Saratoga waters, 
by those who have never drank them 
fresh at their source, but, judge only by 
the mawkish stuff supplied from the drug 
store. Nor is the retailer entirely to 
blame. The fault usually begins at 
the spring ; and further, so many new 
waters, the majority possessing no 
special merit, have been forced upon 
the market, yet comparatively seldom 
called for, that it would be impossible 
for the ordinary drug store to carry a 
fresh stock of each, 



258 H YDRO THERAP Y AT SARATOGA. 

If the proprietors of the various 
springs could be induced to set aside 
their traditional jealousies, to the extent 
of maintaining in each of the large 
cities a joint emporium, where the 
waters could at all times be obtained 
fresh and in good condition, it would 
surely be to their individual gain, and 
largely to the advantage of the public. 
The date of bottling should be stamped 
on each label ; and further, it may be 
hinted, that as all the springs, in season 
and out of season, are wasting enormous 
quantities of water — some as much 
as two gallons per minute — the price 
might be lowered, with still increased 
profit resulting from a larger sale. 
The adoption of these suggestions 
would soon render it difficult for the 
foreign waters, now so popular through- 



BOTTLED MINERAL WATERS. 259 

out this country, to retain their suprem- 
acy. 

It is impossible to leave this part of 
the subject without reference to the 
suicidal recriminations of some of the 
spring proprietors a few years ago ; 
which, at the time, did much to dis- 
credit Saratoga. Without entering 
upon the nauseous evidence of this 
quarrel, the writer does not hesitate to 
assert, that, however dishonest the pur- 
pose, jt would be impossible, in face of 
the volume of water, and the immense 
force with which it is driven upward 
from most of the springs, to tamper 
with the waters extensively until after 
they had left the source. Indeed, so 
copiously mineralized, and naturally 
saturated with gas, are the principle 
Saratoga waters, that, it would be diffi- 



260 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

cult to introduce more than nature has 
already furnished. The Kissengen, 
Patterson, Royal, Peerless, Hathorn, 
Congress, Excelsior, and probably other 
waters, are supplied in bottles, exactly 
as they come from the source. That 
at any spring it should be deemed nec- 
essary to re-enforce the water with sup- 
plementary gas as is sometimes done at 
the time of bottling, is scarcely to be 
understood, except it be to. repair negli- 
gence, or unskillful handling. 

At several of the springs, the quan- 
tity of gas is phenomenally large — 
capable of driving the water a con- 
siderable distance upward. The pecu- 
liar odor of carbonic acid is very 
perceptible near those which are closed 
in ; and sometimes, the air becomes suf- 
ficiently impregnated with it, to be 



BOTTLED MINERAL WATERS. 26 1 

dangerous to breathe, and even extin- 
guish a light. 

At the Lafayette Spring, a short dis- 
tance south of the Champion, a curious 
industry has recently been established. 
The water ascends with enormous force. 
It is liberally mineralized, and by no 
means unpleasant to taste; nevertheless, 
it is not used either for drinking or bath- 
ing purposes, but exclusively for the com- 
mercial value of the natural carbonic 
acid gas obtained from it. As the 
water issues from the tubing, it 
is guided into powerful machinery, 
where the gas is separated, liquified at 
enormous pressure, and forced into 
strong steel cylinders, ready for sale. 
The refuse water passes off flat and 
brackish. 

At the Johannis Spring, at Zollhaus, 



262 HYDROTHERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

Nassau, which resembles in many re- 
spects the alkaline springs of Saratoga, 
the water is treated in a somewhat sim- 
ilar manner, although for a different 
purpose. Like the Saratoga waters, it 
contains a trace of iron, and the object 
of the artificial process is to get rid of 
that mineral, in order to render the 
water miscible without discoloration 
with wines and spirits, and thus more 
suitable for table use. The carbonic 
acid is collected, as the water 
emerges from the spring, and forced 
into a gasholder. Then, the water is 
freely exposed to the atmosphere in 
open tanks, so as to allow the oxidation 
of the proto-carbonate of iron, which is 
thus converted into, and precipitated 
as, a basis hydroxide ; and lastly, by 
means of powerful pumps, the same 



BOTTLED MINERAL WATERS. 263 

gas is re-charged into the water; which 
is then ready for bottling, and is by no 
means unpleasant to drink. It is, how- 
ever, distinctly dishonest to advertise 
such a product, as " a natural mineral 
water " ; since the original asso- 
ciation of gases and mineral salts, 
upon which undoubtedly depends the 
therapeutic value of natural waters, has 
been decomposed by the withdrawal of 
the gas, and cannot be exactly restored 
by artificial means. In fact, water so 
treated, differs in no respect from the 
chemical imitation manufactured in the 
ordinary way, except inasmuch, as there 
is still some guarantee of the purity of 
the gas and minerals, and freedom 
from dangerous organic impregnation. 
It is claimed that a water aerated 
under pressure with its own natural gas, 



264 HYDRO THERAP Y AT SARA TOGA. 

gives out that gas at a slower rate, when 
the pressure is withdrawn, than a water 
similarly aerated with artificial gas. 
However this may be, it seems proven 
that gas naturally incorporated with 
mineralized water is retained longer 
than similar gas artificially introduced 
into water similarly mineralized. No 
matter what the primary qualities of the 
natural waters, once the gases are dis- 
charged, and the water evaporated, the 
remaining salts are chemically identical 
with those produced in the ordinary 
way. They have entirely lost what 
special virtues they possessed in the 
original natural combination, and when 
re-dissolved in water, must be taken in 
many times a larger dose to produce 
effects resembling those of the original 
water. 



INDEX. 



Abdominal plethora, 229 
Alkalies, 38, 51, 199, 208 
Alteratives, 75 
Alumina, 38, 44 
Amenorrhoea, 60, 247 
Ammonia, 44 
Analysis, 33 

" tables, 38 
Aneurism, 243 
Arsenic, poisoning by, 224 
Artificial waters, 264 



Barium, 38, 44 






Bathin_ 


g establishments, 134 


Bath fever, q2 






Baths- 


—carbonic 


acid, 


116 


<< 


division 


of, 86 




<< 


douche, 


123 




<< 


duration 


, io 3, 


120 


it 


hygienic 


cold, 


IOI 


a 


hot, 108 






<< 


in gout, 


204 




« 


mineral, 


97, n 


7 


<( 


mud, 13 


[ 


26s 



266 INDEX. 

Baths — in nervous diseases, 124, 249 

" obesity, 232 

" physiology, 87 et seq. 

" in phthisis, 189 

" rheumatism, 213 

" Russian, 131 

u sand, 131 

" in scrofula, 181 

" time for, 106 
Turkish, 131 

" warm, 109, 119 

" wet pack, 126 
Bone, diseases of, 244 
Bottled waters, 255 
Bright's disease, 239 

Calcium, 38,43, 51 

Carbonic acid gas, 38, 41, 57, 115, 260, 262 

Catarrh, 96, 236 

Chalybeate waters, 38, 42, 56, 156 

Children, scrofulous, 180 

Chlorosis, 60, 248 

Cirrhosis of liver, 221 

Classification, chemical, 29 

" therapeutical, 31 

Constipation, 225 
Consumption, 184^/^. 
Convalescence, 60, 251 
Copper, poisoning by, 224 
Cutaneous diseases, 245 

Diabetes, 240 

Dietary, 141 et seq. ; wine and alcohol, 149 



INDEX. 267 



Douche, 123 
Dripping sheet, 131 
Dyspepsia, 56, 70, 215 et seq. 

Gastric ulcer, 218 
Geological faults, 19 
Gout, 56, 97, 138 

Hematemesis, 219 
Hemoptysis, 191 
Hepatic diseases, 219 et seq. 
Heart diseases, 243 
Hydropathy, v 
Hygienic cold bath, 101 

Influenza epidemics, 252 
Iron, 38, 42, 56 

JOHANNIS SPRING, 261 

Johnson, Sir W., 7 

Lactation, 60 
Lead, poisoning by, 224 
Leucorrhcea, 61, 247 
Leuk, baths at, 113 
Lithia, 38, 43, 46, 51, 53 
Liver, diseases of, 219 et seq. 
Lumbago, 215 

Magnesium, 38, 43, 5 1 * 53, 217 
Manganese, 38c, 44 
Massage douche, 124 
Menstrual derangement, 60, 247 



268 INDEX. 

Mercury, poisoning by, 224 

Metabolism, 73, 176 

Metallic poisoning, 224 

Mineral waters : 

alterative effects, 76 
as baths, 97 et seq. 
classification, 29 
emergence of, 15 
mineralization of, 12 
origin of, 9 et seq. 
precepts in use of, 159 

Mud baths, 131 

Nervous diseases, 248 
Neuralgias, 215 
Nosology, 173 et seq. ' 

Obesity, 230 et seq. 
Ocean bathing, ioo, 181 
Ojigoku, 17 
Old wounds, 253 
Osteomalacia, 244 
Ovaritis, 247 

Pancreas, 224 
Peristalsis, 163, 216 
Phthisis, 184 et seq. 
Potassium chloride, 38, 42, 51 

" sulphate, ^8, 44, 60 ' 

Priessnitz, v 

Rachitis, 244 
Recharged waters, 260 
Renal diseases, 56, 236 



INDEX. 269 

Rheumatism, 56, 78, 97, 117, 206 et seq. 
Russian bath, 87, 131 

Salines, 47 
Sand baths, 131 
Saratoga, accessibility, 6 

" advantages, 4,et seq. 

" altitude, 6 
geology, 19 

" history, 7 

" springs, component parts, 38 etseq. 

" " connection between, 29 

" " defective analyses, 33 

" " division of, 153 

" " selection of, 167 

" spouting, 25 

" " temperature, 38, 113 

" " therapeutic effects, 135 et seq. 

Schwartz system, 114 
Sciatica, 215 

Scottish douche, 125, 184 
Scrofula, 97, 174 et seq. 
Silica, 38, 44 
Skin, diseases of, 245 

" atony of, 211 
.Sodium, bicarbonate, 38, 43, 51, 199 

" bromide, 38, 44 

" chloride, 38, 42, 47 et seq. 
iodide, 38, 43 

" sulphate, 40 

Telluric heat, 114 
Therapeutics, general, 136 et seq. 



270 INDEX. 

Torticollis, 215 
Tubercular bacillus, 185 
Tuberculosis, 174 
Turkish bath, 87, 131 

United States, mineral springs of, v 
Urates, 53, 197 

Vapor bath, 131 
Vascular system, no, 243 

Warm baths, 109, 117 

Water, uses of, 64 

Wet pack, 126 

Wine, 70, 149 

Women, diseases of, 60, 147 



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